,,four ,,mystery ,,plays ,,by ,,rudolf ,,steiner ,translated and ,edited with the ,author's ,permission by ,h4 ,collison1 ,m4,a4 ,oxon41 ,s4 ,m4 ,k4 ,gandell1 ,m4,a4 ,oxon41 and ,r4 ,t4 ,gladstone1 ,m4,a4 ,cantab4 ,the ,portal of ,initiation ,the ,soul's ,probation ,the ,guardian of the ,threshold ,the ,soul's ,awakening ,g4 ,p4 ,putnam's ,sons ,new ,york and ,london ,the ,knickerbocker ,press #aibj ,,introduction ,the four plays here produced in an ,english translation in two volumes1 are perhaps best described as ,christian ,mystery ,plays4 ,they are intended to represent the experiences of the soul during initiation2 or1 in other words1 the psychic development of man up to the moment when he is able to pierce the veil and see into the beyond4 ,through this vision he is then able to discover his real self and carry into effect the cryptic injunction graven on the old ,greek temples ,gnthi seauton1 know thyself4 ,at a later stage he comes to 'realize' himself1 and finally learns the true significance of the ,second ,advent of our ,lord4 ,this process is known as the ',rosicrucian' initiation--an initiation specially adapted to modern days--the time and manner of which depend on the individual nature and circumstances of each person4 ,the four plays form one continuous series1 and the characters portrayed are of quite an ordinary kind except that they take more than the usual interest in spiritual matters1 their first desire being so to improve their own mental and moral state as to make them able to benefit their fellows4 ,we find amongst them many types--the occult leader and the seeress who explains the coming of ,christ4 ,we are shown the spiritual development of an artist1 a scientist1 a philosopher1 a historian1 a mystic1 and a man of the world2 and we hear too the scoffing cynicism of ,germanus and the materialistic views of ,fox4 ,we are led to realize how the characters are connected on the physical as well as the spiritual plane2 and we learn also about the nature of elementals and the twin forces of hindrance known as ,lucifer and ,ahriman2 the former of whom may be described as an embodiment of the spiritual impulse to action1 an impulse always necessary but often distorted to bring about self-glorification rather than the ambition to do good2 the latter as an embodiment of an influence which seeks to materialize everything1 thus hindering true spiritual growth and freedom4 ,these two influences are given to man that he may gain free will by having perfect liberty to guide them in the one direction or in the other4 ,with regard to the writing and production of the plays1 ,doctor ,steiner's habit is to write a play whilst the rehearsals are actually in progress1 finishing it a few days before the first public performance1 and the first play was written and acted in this manner in ,august1 #aiaj1 the second in ,august1 #aiaa1 the third in ,august1 #aiab1 and the fourth in ,august1 #aiac4 ,it was not until then that the complete key to the development of the characters was attainable4 ,the last play explains the progress of the other three1 and1 following out the hint given in the second play by the account of the previous incarnation in the ,middle ,ages1 traces the characters right back to their earlier incarnation in ancient ,egypt4 ,the plays were performed in ,munich every summer under the personal direction of the author and were acted by men and women of several nationalities--all students of his teaching4 ,the audiences numbered some two thousand and were composed entirely of his followers4 ,in #aiac1 owing to the difficulties and expense incurred each year in securing an appropriate theatre1 his supporters acquired a plot of ground in ,munich1 and plans were designed for a theatre of their own1 but the ,munich authorities after much prevarication and delay finally prohibited its building1 exhibiting in their treatment of ,rudolf ,steiner the same illiberal spirit as they had shown at an earlier date in the case of ,richard ,wagner4 ,because of this1 and because of the hostility which his writings and lectures had aroused in other parts of ,germany1 ,doctor ,steiner was led to set up his theatre in ,switzerland at the little village of ,dornach--not far from ,ble4 ,here a theatre is being built in accordance with his own designs and it is hoped that the plays will be performed there regularly as soon as the edifice is complete4 ,in conclusion ,i should like to express my gratitude to my friends and fellow students ,r4 ,t4 ,gladstone1 ,m4,a41 ,cantab41 and ,s4 ,m4 ,k4 ,gandell1 ,m4,a41 ,oxon41 for their most valuable help in the very difficult task of translating the plays into ,english verse4 ,only a translator can appreciate the difficulties involved in preserving both the sense and rhythm of the original1 and it is no exaggeration to say that without their aid the production of these works in ,english would not have been possible at the present time4 ,i should also like to take this occasion of thanking ,doctor ,steiner himself for permitting me to attend the rehearsals and assist in the performances of the plays4 ,it was a great privilege and pleasure for which ,i can never feel sufficiently grateful4 ,and last1 but not least1 ,i have to thank him for his ever kind and patient attention to all my questions on the subject of these plays and of spiritual science in general4 ,h4 ,collison4 ,new ,york1 #aiai4 ,,contents ,,page ,the ,portal of ,initiation #a ,the ,soul's ,probation #ada ,the ,guardian of the ,threshold #a ,the ,soul's ,awakening #ace ,,the ,,portal ,,of ,,initiation ,the general public has never been admitted to the performance of these plays4 ,the ,english editor has1 however1 ventured to give some indication of the costumes and scenery1 though this can only be sufficient to give a general idea4 ,the following is a summary of the scenes3 ,a ,prelude ,scene #a3 ,a debating room4 ,theodora's vision of the coming ,christ4 ,scene #b3 ,johannes' meditation among the mountains3 ',know thou thyself4' ,scene #c3 ,meditation chamber4 ,maria's separation4 ,scene #d3 ,the ,spirit of the ,elements4 ,the ,soul-world4 ,scene #e3 ,the subterranean rock temple4 ,the consultation of the hierophants4 ,scene #f3 ,continuation of ,scene #d4 ,felicia3 her ,first ,fable4 ,germanus4 ,scene #g3 ,the ,spirit-world4 ,maria and her soul powers4 ,theodora's vision of the past incarnation of ,maria and ,johannes4 ,the scene ends with ,benedictus' great mystic utterance4 ,an ,interlude ,scene #h3 ,the portrait of ,capesius by ,johannes4 ,strader's bewilderment4 ,scene #i3 ,johannes' second meditation among the mountains three years later than ,scene #b4 ',feel thou thyself4' ,scene #aj3 ,as in ,scene #c4 ,a trial for ,johannes4 ,scene #aa3 ,the ,temple of the ,sun4 ,destiny and debtors4 ,,beings ,,and ,,persons ,,represented ,in the ,prelude and ,interlude3 ,sophia4 ,estella4 ,two ,children4 ,in the ,mystery3 ,johannes ,thomasius4 ,maria4 ,benedictus4 ,theodosius1 whose prototype1 as the ,mystery proceeds1 reveals itself as that of the ,spirit of ,love4 ,romanus1 whose prototype1 as the ,mystery proceeds1 reveals itself as that of the ,spirit of ,action4 ,germanus1 whose prototype1 as the ,mystery proceeds1 reveals itself as that of the ,earth-brain4 ,helena1 whose prototype1 as the ,mystery proceeds1 reveals itself as that of ,lucifer4 ,retardus1 active only as a ,spirit-influence4 ,philia ,friends of ,maria1 whose prototypes1 as the ,astrid ,mystery proceeds1 reveal themselves as spirits ,luna of ,maria's soul-powers4 ,professor ,capesius4 ,doctor ,strader4 ,felix ,balde1 who reveals himself as representative of the ,spirit of ,nature4 ,felicia ,balde1 his wife4 ,the ,other ,maria1 whose prototype1 as the ,mystery proceeds1 reveals itself as the ,soul of ,love4 ,theodora1 a ,seeress4 ,ahriman and ,lucifer1 conceived as ,soul-influences only4 ,the ,spirit of the ,elements1 conceived as a ,spirit-influence4 ,a ,child1 whose prototype1 as the ,mystery proceeds1 reveals itself as a young soul4 ,as is usual in ,english stage directions1 right means right of the stage1 and not right of the audience as in the original ,german4 ,so too the left is left of the stage4 ,the music at the representation of each play was by ,mr4 ,adolf ,arenson4 ,notes on the ,costumes ,worn3 ,the costumes worn are those of every day1 except that the female characters1 over their dress1 wear bright broad stoles of a colour to suit their character4 ,benedictus is usually in a black riding suit1 top boots1 and a black mantle4 ,lucifer has golden hair1 wears crimson robes1 and stands upon the right of ,johannes4 ,lucifer appears as female4 ,ahriman1 the conventional ,satan1 wears yellow robes and stands upon the left of ,johannes4 ,in the fifth and eleventh scenes and when in spirit form or acting as hierophant ,benedictus wears a long white robe over which is a broad golden stole with mystic emblems in red4 ,he also wears a golden mitre and carries a golden crosier4 ,on such occasion ,theodosius is similarly robed except that the stole1 mitre1 and crosier are silver and the emblems blue4 ,similarly the stole1 mitre1 and crosier of ,romanus are bronze and the emblems green4 ,retardus' costume is a mixture of the above three4 ,germanus wears long brownish robes and is made to appear like a giant with heavy clogs1 as if tied to earth4 ,scene #f4 ,philia1 ,astrid1 and ,luna in the seventh and eleventh scenes and in the other plays have conventional angel-forms2 ,astrid is always in the centre of this group2 ,luna is on her right2 ,philia on her left4 ,theodora wears white and has angel's wings in the seventh and eleventh scenes4 ,the ,other ,maria is dressed like a spirit 7except in ,scene #a7 but one associated with rocks and precious stones4 ,,the ,,portal ,,of ,,initiation ,,prelude ,sophia's room4 ,the colour scheme is a yellow red4 ,sophia1 with her two children1 a boy and a girl2 later1 ,estella4 ,,children 7singing1 whilst ,sophia accompanies them on the piano73 ,the light of the sun is flooding ,the breadths of space2 ,the song of the birds is filling ,the heights of the air2 ,the blessing of plant-life unfoldeth ,elemental ,beings of earth2 ,and human souls in reverent gratitude1 ,rise up to the spirits of the world4 ,,sophia3 ,now1 children1 go to your room and think over the words we have just practised4 7,sophia leads the children out47 7,enter ,estella47 ,,estella3 ,how do you do1 ,sophy8 ,i hope ,i'm not intruding8 ,,sophia3 ,oh no1 ,estelle4 ,i am very glad to see you4 7,asks ,estella to be seated and seats herself47 ,,estella3 ,have you good news from your husband8 ,,sophia3 ,very good4 ,he writes to me saying that he is interested in the ,congress of ,psychologists2 though the manner in which they treat many great questions there does not appeal to him4 ,however1 as a student of souls1 he is interested in just those methods of spiritual shortsightedness which make it impossible for men to obtain a clear view of essential mysteries4 ,,estella3 ,does he not intend speaking on an important subject1 himself8 ,,sophia3 ,yes1 on a subject that seems important both to him and to me4 ,but the scientific views of those present at the ,congress prevent his expecting any results from his arguments4 ,,estella3 ,i really came in1 dear ,sophy1 to ask whether you would come with me this evening to a new play called ,outcasts from ,body and from ,soul4 ,i should so like to hear it with you4 ,,sophia3 ,i'm sorry1 my dear ,estelle1 but tonight is the date set for the performance of the play1 which our society has been rehearsing for a long time4 ,,estella3 ,oh yes1 ,i had forgotten4 ,but it would have been such a pleasure to have spent this evening with my old friend4 ,i had set my heart on having you beside me1 and gazing with you into the hidden depths of our present-day life4444 ,i only hope that this world of ideas1 in which you move1 and which is so strange to me1 will not finally destroy that bond of sympathy1 which has united our hearts since we were at school together4 ,,sophia3 ,you have often said that before2 and yet you have always had to admit that our divergent opinions need not erect barriers between those feelings which have existed between us in our companionship from our youth upwards4 ,,estella3 ,true1 ,i have said so4 ,yet it always arouses a sense of bitterness in me1 when1 as the years roll on1 ,i see how your affections are estranged from those things in life that seem to me worth while4 ,,sophia3 ,still1 we may be of much mutual help to one another if we recognize and realize the various points of view which we reach through our different inclinations4 ,,estella3 ,yes6 ,my reason tells me that you are right4 ,and yet there is something in me that rebels against your view of life4 ,,sophia3 ,why not candidly admit that what you require of me is the renunciation of my inmost soul-life8 ,,estella3 ,but for one thing1 ,i should admit even that4 ,and that is1 that you always claim that your view is the more profound4 ,i can readily understand that people whose conceptions differ radically may still meet in sympathy of feeling4 ,but the nature of your ideas actually forces upon you an inner assumption of a certain superiority4 ,others can compare views and realize that they do indeed diverge towards different standpoints1 but they nevertheless stand related by an equality of values4 ,you1 however1 seem unable to do this4 ,you regard all other views as proceeding from a lower degree of human development4 ,,sophia3 ,but you realize1 ,i hope1 from our previous discussions1 that those who think as ,i do1 do not finally measure the character of man by his opinions or by his knowledge4 ,and while we consider our ideas such1 that without vital realization of them life has no valid foundations1 we nevertheless try most earnestly not to over-estimate the value of the individual1 who has been permitted to become an instrument for the manifestation of this view of life4 ,,estella3 ,all that sounds very well1 but it does not remove my one suspicion4 ,i cannot close my eyes to the fact1 that a world-view which ascribes to itself illimitable depth must needs lead by the circuitous route of a mere appearance of such depth to a certain superficiality4 ,i rate our friendship too high to point out to you those among your companions who1 whilst they swear allegiance to your ideas1 yet display spiritual arrogance of the most unmitigated sort1 despite the fact that the barrenness and banality of their soul speaks in their every word and in all their conduct4 ,nor do ,i wish to call your attention to the callousness and lack of sympathy shown by so many of your adherents towards their fellow men4 ,the greatness of your own soul has never permitted you to stand aloof from that which daily life requires at the hands of the man whom we call good4 ,and yet the fact that you leave me alone on this occasion1 when true and artistic life comes to be voiced1 shows me that your ideas too with reference to this life are to a certain extent superficial--if you will forgive my saying so4 ,,sophia3 ,and wherein lies this superficiality8 ,,estella3 ,you ought to know4 ,you have known me long enough to understand how ,i have wrenched myself away from that manner of life1 which1 day in and day out1 only struggles to follow tradition and convention4 ,i have sought to understand why so many people suffer1 as it seems1 undeservedly4 ,i have tried to approach the heights and depths of life4 ,i have consulted the sciences1 so far as ,i could1 to learn what they disclose4 ,but let me hold fast to the one point which this moment presents to us4 ,i am aware of the nature of true art2 ,i believe ,i understand how it seizes upon the essentials of life and presents to our souls the true and higher reality4 ,i seem to feel the beating of the pulse of time1 when ,i permit such art to influence me1 and ,i am horrified when ,i have to think what it is which you1 ,sophy1 prefer to this interest in living art4 ,you turn to what seem to me the obsolete1 dogmatically allegorical themes1 to gaze on a show of puppets1 instead of on living beings1 and to wonder at symbolical happenings which stand far away from all that appeals to our pity and to our active sympathies in daily life4 ,,sophia3 ,my dear ,estelle1 that is exactly the fact that you will not grasp--that the richest life is to be found just there where you only see a fantastic web of thoughts3 and that there may be1 and are1 people who are compelled to call your living reality mere poverty--if it be not measured by the spiritual source from whence it comes4 ,possibly my words sound harsh to you4 ,but our friendship demands absolute frankness4 ,spirit itself is as unknown to you as it is to the multitude4 ,in its place you know only the bearer of knowledge4 ,it is only the thought side of spirit of which you are aware4 ,you have no conception of the living1 the creative spirit1 which endows men with elemental power1 even as the germinal power of nature shapes living entities4 ,like many another1 for instance1 you call things in art which deny the spirit1 as ,i conceive it1 nave and original4 ,our conception of the world unites a full and conscious freedom with the power of nave creation4 ,we absorb consciously that which is nave1 and do not thereby rob it of its freshness1 its fulness1 and its originality4 ,you believe that the character of man shapes itself1 and that we can merely form thoughts and considerations about it4 ,you will not see that thought itself actually merges into creative spirit2 reaching the very fountain of ,being2 and developing thence into an actual creative germ4 ,our ideas do not teach1 any more than the seed-power within a plant teaches it how to grow4 ,it is the actual growth itself1 and in like manner do our ideas flow into our very being1 kindling and dispensing life4 ,to the ideas that have come to me1 ,i am indebted for all that makes life worth while2 not only for the courage1 but also for the insight and power that make me hopeful of so training my children1 that they shall not only be capable and useful in ordinary everyday life1 in the old traditional sense1 but that they shall at the same time carry inward peace and contentment within their souls4 ,i have no wish to stray from the point1 but ,i will say just one thing4 ,i believe--nay ,i know--that the dreams which you share with so many can only be realized when men succeed in uniting what they call the realities of life with those deeper experiences1 which you have so often termed dreams and fantasies4 ,you may be astonished if ,i confess it to you3 but much that seems true art to you is to me a mere fruitless critique of life4 ,no hunger is stilled1 no tears are dried1 no source of degeneracy is discovered1 when merely the outer show of hunger1 or tear-stained faces1 or degenerate beings is shown upon the stage4 ,and the customary method of that presentation is unspeakably distant from the true depths of life1 and the true relationship between beings4 ,,estella3 ,i understand your words indeed1 but they merely show me that you do prefer to indulge in fancies1 rather than to look upon the realities of life4 ,our ways1 indeed1 part4--,i see that my friend is denied me tonight4 7,rises47 ,i must leave you now4 ,but we remain friends1 as of old1 do we not8 ,,sophia3 ,we must indeed remain friends4 7,while these last words are spoken1 ,sophia conducts her friend to the door47 ,curtain ,,scene #a ,room4 ,dominant note rose-red4 ,large rose-red chairs are arranged in a semicircle4 ,to the left of the stage a door leads to the auditorium4 ,one after the other1 the speakers introduced enter by this door2 each stopping in the room for a time4 ,while they do so1 they discuss the discourse they have just heard in the auditorium1 and what it suggests to them4 ,enter first ,maria and ,johannes1 then others4 ,the speeches which follow are continuations of discussions already begun in the auditorium4 ,,maria3 ,my friend1 ,i am indeed distressed to see ,thy spirit and thy soul in sadness droop1 ,and powerless to help the bond that binds ,and that has bound us both for ten blest years4 ,e'en this same hour1 filled with a portent deep ,in which we both have heard and learned so much ,that lightens all the darkest depths of soul1 ,brought naught but shade and shadow unto thee4 ,aye1 after many of the speakers' words1 ,my listening heart could feel the very dart ,that deeply wounded thine4 ,once did ,i gaze ,into thine eyes and saw but happiness ,and joy in all the essence of the world4 ,in pictures beauty-steeped thy soul held fast ,each fleeting moment1 bathed by sunshine's glow-- ,flooding with air and light the forms of men ,unsealing all the depths and doubts of ,life4 ,unskilled as yet thine hand to body forth ,in concrete colour-schemes1 those living forms ,that hovered in thy soul2 but in the hearts ,of both of us there throbbed the joyous faith ,and certain hope that future days would teach ,thine hand this art--to pour forth happiness ,into the very fundaments of ,being2 ,that all the wonders of thy spirit's search ,unfolding visibly ,creation's powers ,through every creature of thine art would pour ,soul rapture deep into the hearts of men4 ,such were our dreams through all those days of yore ,that to thy skill1 mirrored in beauty's guise1 ,the weal of future men would trace its source4 ,so dreamed mine own soul of the goal of thine4 ,yet now the vital spark of fashioning fire ,that burned within thee seems extinct and dead4 ,dead thy creative joy3 and well-nigh maimed ,the hand1 which once with fresh and youthful strength ,guided thy steadfast brush from year to year4 ,,johannes3 ,alas1 'tis true2 ,i feel as if the fires ,that erstwhile quickened in my soul are quenched4 ,mine eye1 grown dull1 doth no more catch the gleam ,shed by the flickering sunlight o'er the earth4 ,no feeling stirs my heart1 when changing moods ,of light and shade flow o'er the scenes around4 ,still lies my hand1 seeking no more to chain ,into a lasting present fleeting charms1 ,shown forth by magic elemental powers ,from utmost depths of ,life before mine eyes4 ,no new creative fire thrills me with joy4 ,for me dull monotone obscures all life4 ,,maria3 ,my heart is deeply grieved to hear that thou ,dost find such emptiness in everything ,which thrives as highest good and very source ,of sacred life itself within my heart4 ,ah1 friend1 behind the changing scenes of life ,that men call ',being1' true life lies concealed ,spiritual1 everlasting1 infinite4 ,and in that life each soul doth weave its thread4 ,i feel afloat in spirit potencies1 ,that work1 as in an ocean's unseen depths1 ,and see reveald all the life of men1 ,as wavelets on the ocean's upturned face4 ,i am at one with all the sense of ,life ,for which men restless strive1 and which to me ,is but their inner self that stands revealed4 ,i see1 how oftentimes it binds itself ,unto the very kernel of man's soul1 ,and lifts him to the highest that his heart ,can ever crave4 ,yet as it lives in me ,it turns to bitter fruitage1 when mine own ,touches another's being4 ,even so ,hath this1 my destiny1 worked out in all ,i willed to give thee1 when thou cam'st in love4 ,thy wish it was to travel at my side ,unhesitating all the way1 that soon ,should lead thee to a full and perfect art4 ,yet what hath happened8 ,all1 that in mine eyes ,stood forth revealed in its own naked ,truth ,as purest life1 brought death1 my friend1 to thee ,and slew thy spirit4 ,,johannes3 ,aye4 ',tis so indeed4 ,what lifts thy soul to ,heaven's sun-kissed heights ,when through thy life it comes into mine own ,thrusts my soul down1 to death's abysmal gloom4 ,when in our friendship's rosy-fingered dawn ,to this revealment thou didst lead me on1 ,which sheds its light into the darkened realms1 ,where human souls do enter every night1 ,bereft of conscious life1 and where full oft ,man's being wanders erring3 whilst the night ,of ,death makes mock at ,life's reality4 ,and when thou didst reveal to me the truth ,of life's return1 then did ,i know full well ,that ,i should grow to perfect spirit-man4 ,surely1 it seemed1 the artist's clear keen eye1 ,and certain touch of a creator's hand1 ,would blossom for me through thy spirit's fire ,and noble might4 ,full deep ,i breathed this fire ,into my being2 when--behold--it robbed ,the ebb and flow of all my spirit's power4 ,remorselessly it drove out from my heart ,all faith in this our world4 ,and now ,i reach ,a point where ,i no longer clearly see1 ,whether to doubt or whether to believe ,the revelation of the spirit-worlds4 ,nay more1 ,i even lack the power to love ,that which in thee the spirit's beauty shows4 ,,maria3 ,alas6 ,the years that pass have taught me this3 ,that mine own way to live the spirit-life ,doth change into its opposite1 whene'er ,it penetrates another's character4 ,and ,i must also see how spirit-power ,grows rich in blessing when1 by other paths1 ,it pours itself into the souls of men4 7,enter ,philia1 ,astrid1 and ,luna47 ,it floweth forth in speech1 and in these words ,lies power to raise to realms celestial ,man's common mode of thinking2 and create ,a world of joy1 where erstwhile brooded gloom4 ,aye1 it can change the spirit's shallowness ,to depths of earnest feeling2 and can cast ,man's character in sure and noble mould4 ,and ,i--yes1 ,i am altogether filled ,by just this spirit-power1 and must behold ,the pain and desolation that it brings ,to other hearts1 when from mine own it pours4 ,,philia3 ,it seemed as though the voices of some choir 7,enter ,prof4 ,capesius and ,dr4 ,strader47 ,mingled together1 uttering manifold ,conceptions and opinions1 each his own1 ,of these who formed our recent gathering4 ,full many harmonies there were indeed1 ,but also many a harsh-toned dissonance4 ,,maria3 ,ah1 when the words and speech of many men ,present themselves in such wise to the soul1 ,it seems as though man's very prototype ,stood centred there in secret mystery3 ,become through many souls articulate1 ,as in the rainbow's arch pure ,light itself ,grows visible in many-coloured rays4 ,,capesius3 ,through changing scenes of many centuries ,we wandered year on year in earnest search2 ,striving to fathom deep the living force ,that dwelt within the souls of those who sought ,to probe and scan the fundaments of being1 ,and set before man's soul the goals of life4 ,we thought that in the depths of our own souls ,we lived the higher powers of thought itself2 ,and thus could solve the riddles set by ,fate4 ,we felt we had1 or seemed at least to feel1 ,sure basis in the logic of our mind ,when new experiences crossed our path ,questioning there the judgment of our soul4 ,yet now such basis wavers1 when amazed ,i hear today1 as ,i have heard before1 ,the mode of thought taught by these people here4 ,and more and more uncertain do ,i grow1 ,when ,i perceive1 how powerfully in life ,this mode of thought doth work4 ,full many a day ,have ,i spent thus1 thinking how ,i might shape ,time's riddles as they solved themselves to me ,in words1 that hearts might grasp and trembling feel4 ,happy indeed was ,i1 if ,i could fill ,only the smallest corner of some soul ,amongst my audience with the warmth of life4 ,and oftentimes it seemed success was mine1 ,nor would ,i make complaint of fruitless days4 ,yet all results of teaching thus could lead ,only to recognition of this truth ,so loved and emphasized by men of deeds1 ,that in the clash of life's realities1 ,thoughts are dim shadows1 nothing more nor less3 ,they may indeed wing life's creative powers ,to due fruition1 but they cannot shape ,and mould our life themselves4 ,so have ,i judged ,and with this modest comment was content3 ,where pale thoughts only work1 all life is lamed ,and likewise all that joins itself to life4 ,more potent than the ripest form of words1 ,however art might weave therein her spell1 ,seemed nature's gift1 man's talents--and more strong ,the hand of destiny to mould his life4 ,tradition's mountainweight1 and prejudice ,with dull oppressive hand will always quench ,the strength of e'en the very best of words4 ,but that which here reveals itself in speech ,gives men1 who think as ,i do1 food for thought4 ,clearly we saw the kind of consequence ,that comes when sects1 in superheated speech1 ,blind souls of men with dogma's seething stream4 ,but nought here of such spirit do we find2 ,here only reason greets the soul1 and yet ,these words create the actual powers of life1 ,speaking unto the spirit's inmost depths4 ,nay even to the kingdom of the ,will ,this strange and mystic ,something penetrates2 ,this ,something1 which to such as ,i1 who still ,wander in ancient ways1 seems but pale thought4 ,impossible1 it seems1 to disavow ,its consequences2 none the less1 myself ,i cannot quite surrender to it yet4 ,but it all speaks with such peculiar charm ,and not as though it really meant for me ,the contradiction of experience4 ,it almost seems as if this ,something found ,the kind of man ,i am1 insufferable4 ,,strader3 ,i would associate myself in fullest sense ,with every one of thy last spoken words3 ,and still more sharply would ,i emphasize ,that all results in our soul-life1 which seem ,to spring forth from the influence of ideas1 ,cannot in any wise decide for us ,what actual worth of knowledge they conceal4 ,whether there lives within our mode of thought1 ,error or truth--'tis certain this alone ,the verdict of true science can decide4 ,and no one would with honesty deny ,that words1 which are1 in seeming only1 clear1 ,yet claim to solve life's deepest mysteries1 ,are quite unfit for such a scrutiny4 ,they fascinate the spirit of mankind1 ,and only tempt the heart's credulity2 ,seeming to open door into that realm ,before which1 humble and perplexed1 now stands ,the strict and cautious search of modern minds4 ,and he who truly follows such research ,is bound in honour to confess that none ,can know whence streams the well-spring of his thought1 ,nor fathom where the depths of ,being lie4 ,and though confession such as this is hard ,for souls who all too willingly would gauge ,what lies beyond the ken of mortal mind1 ,yet every glance of every thinker's soul ,whether directed to the outer side1 ,or turned towards the inner depths of life1 ,scans but that boundary and naught beside4 ,if we deny our rational intellect ,or set aside experience1 we sink ,in depths unfathomable1 bottomless4 ,and who can fail to see how utterly ,what passeth here for revelation new1 ,fails to fit in with modern modes of thought4 ,indeed it needs but little thought to see1 ,how totally devoid this method is ,of that1 which gives all thought its sure support ,and guarantees a sense of certainty4 ,such revelations may warm listening hearts1 ,but thinkers see in them mere mystic dreams4 ,,philia3 ,aye1 thus would always speak the science1 won ,by stern sobriety and intellect4 ,but that suffices not unto the soul1 ,that needs a steadfast faith in its own self4 ,she ever will give heed to words that speak ,to her of spirit4 ,all she dimly sensed ,in former days1 she striveth now to grasp4 ,to speak of the ,unknown may well entice ,the thinker1 but no more the hearts of men4 ,,strader3 ,i too can realize how much there lies ,in that objection2 how it seems to strike ,the idle dreamer1 who would only spin ,the threads of thought1 and seek the consequence ,of this or that premise1 which he himself ,hath formed beforehand4 ,me--it touches not-- ,no outer motive guided me to thought4 ,in childhood ,i grew up 'mid pious folk ,and1 following their custom1 steeped my soul ,in sense-intoxicating images ,of future sojourn in celestial realms1 ,wherewith they seek to comfort and beguile ,man's ignorance and man's simplicity4 ,within my boyish soul ,i sensed the throb ,of utmost ecstasy1 when reverently ,i raised my thoughts to highest spirit-worlds2 ,and prayer was then my heart's necessity4 ,thereafter in a cloister was ,i trained2 ,monks were my teachers1 and in mine own heart ,the deepest longing was to be a monk1-- ,an echo of my parents' ardent wish4 ,for consecration did ,i stand prepared ,when chance did drive me from the cloistered cell2 ,and to this chance ,i owe deep gratitude4 ,for1 many days before chance saved my soul ,it had been robbed of inward peace and quiet2 ,for ,i had read and learned of many things1 ,that have no place within the cloister-gate4 ,knowledge of nature's working came to me ,from books that were forbidden to mine eyes4 ,and thus ,i learned new scientific thought4 ,hard was the struggle as ,i sought the path ,wandering through many a way to find mine own2 ,nor did ,i ever gain by cunning thought ,whate'er of truth revealed itself to me4 ,in fierce-fought battles have ,i torn the roots ,from out my spirit's soil of all that brought ,peace and contentment to me when a child4 ,i understand indeed the heart that fain ,would soar up to the heights--but for myself1 ,when once ,i recognized that all ,i learned ,from spirit-teaching was an empty dream1 ,i was compelled to find the surer soil ,that science and discovery create4 ,,luna3 ,we may surmise1 each after his own kind1 ,where sense and goal of life doth lie for each4 ,i altogether lack the power to prove ,according to the science of today1 ,what spirit-teaching ,i have here received3 ,but clear within my heart ,i feel and know ,my soul would die without this spirit-lore1 ,as would my body1 if deprived of blood4 ,and thou1 dear doctor1 'gainst our cause dost fight ,with many words1 and what thou now hast told ,of thy life's conflict lends them weight indeed ,even with those who do not understand ,thy learned argument4 ,yet would ,i ask 7,enter ,theodora47 ,exactly why it is that hearts of men ,receive the word of ,spirit readily1 ,as though self-understood3 yet when man seeks ,food for his spirit in such learned words ,as thou didst use his heart grows chill and cold4 ,,theodora3 ,although ,i am at home 'mid just such men ,as circle round me here1 yet strangely sounds ,this speech ,i have just heard4 ,,capesius3 ,what strangeness there8 ,,theodora3 ,i may not say4 ,do thou1 ,maria1 tell4 ,,maria3 ,our friend has oftentimes explained to us ,what strange experiences come to her4 ,one day she felt herself completely changed1 ,and none could understand her altered state4 ,estrangement met her wheresoe'er she turned ,until she came into our circle here4 ,not that we fully understand ourselves ,what she possesses and what no one shares4 ,yet we are trained by this our mode of thought ,the unaccustomed to appreciate1 ,and feel with every mood of humankind4 ,one moment in her life1 our friend perceived1 ,all that seemed hers aforetime1 disappear2 ,the past was all extinguished in her soul4 ,and since these wondrous changes came to her1 ,this mood of soul hath oft renewed itself2 ,it doth not long endure2 and other times ,she lives her life as ordinary folk4 ,yet whensoe'er she falls into this state1 ,the gift of memory doth fade away4 ,she loseth from her eyes the power to see ,and senseth her surroundings1 seeing not4 ,with a peculiar light her eyes then glow1 ,and pictured forms appear to her4 ,at first ,they seemed like dreams2 anon they grew so clear1 ,that we could recognize without a doubt ,some prophecy of distant future days4 ,full many a time have we seen this occur4 ,,capesius3 ,it is just this that little pleaseth me ,amongst these men2 who mingle with good sense ,and logic1 superstition's fallacies4 ',twas ever thus where men have walked this path4 ,,maria3 ,if thou canst still speak so1 thou dost not yet ,perceive our attitude towards these things4 ,,strader3 ,well1 as for me1 ,i freely must confess1 ,that ,i would sooner revelations hear ,than speak of questionable spirit-themes4 ,for even if ,i fail to read aright ,the riddle of such dreams1 yet those at least ,i count as facts2 and would 'twere possible ,to see one instance of the mystery ,of this strange spirit-mood before mine eyes4 ,,maria3 ,perchance it is--for look1 she comes again4 ,and it doth seem to me as though e'en now ,this mystic spirit-mood would show itself4 ,,theodora3 ,i am compelled to speak4 ,before my soul ,a pictured form stands wrapped in robes of light2 ,from which strange words are sounding in mine ears4 ,i feel myself in future centuries1 ,and men do ,i behold as yet unborn3-- ,they also see the pictured form2 they too ,can hear the words it speaks1 which thus resound-- ',o ye1 who lived in faith's sincerity1 ,take comfort now in sight1 and look on ,me4 ,receive new life through ,me4 ,for ,i am ,he ,who lived within the souls of those who sought ,to find ,me in themselves1 by following ,the gospel-words ,my messengers did bring ,and by their own devotion's inward power4 ,the light of sense ye saw--believe ye now ,in the creative spirit-world beyond4 ,for now indeed ye have yourselves achieved ,one atom of divine prophetic sight4 ,oh1 breathe it deep1 and feel it in your souls4' ,a human form steps from that sphere of light4 ,and speaks to me3 ',thou shalt make known to all ,who will give ear to thee1 that thou hast seen ,what all mankind shall soon experience3 ,once1 long ago1 ,christ lived upon the earth1 ,and from this life ensued the consequence ,that in soul-substance clad ,he hovers o'er ,the evolution of humanity1 ,in union with the earth's own spirit-sphere2 ,and though as yet invisible to men1 ,when in such form ,he manifests ,himself1 ,since now their being lacks that spirit sight1 ,which first will show itself in future times2 ,yet even now this future draweth nigh ,when that new sight shall come to men on earth4 ,what once the senses saw1 when ,christ did live ,upon the earth2 this shall be seen by souls ,when soon the time shall reach its fulness due4' 7,exit47 ,,maria3 ,this is the first time we have heard her speak ,in such a manner to so many folk4 ,at other times she felt constrained to speech1 ,only when two or three were gathered round4 ,,capesius3 ,to me indeed it seems most curious1 ,that she1 as though commanded or required1 ,should find herself to revelation urged4 ,,maria3 ,it may so seem2 but we know well her ways4 ,if at this moment she desired to send ,her inward soul-voice deep into your souls1 ,the only reason was1 that unto you ,the source1 whence came her voice1 desired to speak4 ,,capesius3 ,concerning this strange future gift of sight1 ,whereof she spake1 as dreaming1 we have heard ,that he1 who of this circle is the soul1 ,hath oft already given full report4 ,is it not possible that from his words ,the content of her speech hath origin1 ,the mode of utterance coming from herself8 ,,maria3 ,if matters thus did stand1 we should not deem ,her words of any consequence or weight3 ,but we have tested this condition well4 ,before she came into our circle here1 ,our friend had never heard in any way ,of that same leader's speeches1 nor had we ,heard aught of her before she came to us4 ,,capesius3 ,then what we have to deal with is a state1 ,such as so often happens1 contrary ,to all the laws of nature2 and which we ,must merely estimate as some disease4 ,and only healthy thought1 securely based ,on fully conscious sense-impressions1 can ,pass judgment on the riddles set by life4 ,,strader3 ,yet even here one fact presents itself2 ,and what we now have heard must have some worth-- ,for1 even if we set aside all else ,it doth compel the thought that spirit-power ,can cause thought-transference from soul to soul4 ,,astrid3 ,ah me1 if ye would only dare to tread ,the ground your mode of thought doth choose to shun3 ,as snow before the sunlight's piercing glare ,your vain delusion needs must melt away1 ,which makes the moods reveald1 in such minds ,appear diseased1 abnormal1 wonderful4 ,they are suggestive1 but they are not strange4 ,and small this wonder doth appear to me ,when ,i compare it with the myriad ,of wonders that make up my daily life4 ,,capesius3 ,nay1 nay1 one thing it is to recognize ,what lies before our eyes on every side1 ,but quite another1 what is shown us here4 ,,strader3 ,of spirit 'tis not necessary to speak ,until there are things shown to us which lie ,outside the strictly circled boundary ,set by the laws of scientific thought4 ,,astrid3 ,the clear shaft of the sunlight on the dew ,which glistens in the morning's golden light1 7,enter ,felix ,balde47 ,the hurling stream that riseth 'neath the rock1 ,the thunder rumbling in the cloud-wrapped sky1 ,all these do speak to me a spirit tongue3 ,i strove to understand it2 and ,i know ,that of this speech's meaning and its might1 ,only a faint reflection can be glimpsed ,through your investigations1 as they are4 ,and when that kind of speech sank deep within ,my heart1 ,i found my soul's true joy at last4 ,nor could aught else1 but human words alone ,and spirit teaching grant this gift to me4 ,,felix ,,balde3 ,those words rang true indeed4 ,,maria3 ,i must essay ,to tell what joy fills all my heart to see 7,enter ,felicia ,balde47 ,for the first time here with us yonder man1 ,of whom we oft have heard2 and joy doth cause ,the wish to see him here full many times4 ,,felix ,,balde3 ,it is not usual for me that ,i should ,associate with such a crowd of men3 ,and not alone unusual---- ,,felicia3 ,aye1 'tis so4 ,his nature drives us into solitude ,away from all2 year in1 year out1 we hear ,scarce any other converse save our own4 ,and if this good man here from time to time 7,pointing to ,capesius47 ,came not to linger in our cottage home1 ,we scarce should realize that other men1 ,besides ourselves1 live on the earth at all4 ,and if the man1 who spake such wondrous words ,but recently in yonder lecture-hall1 ,and who affected us so potently1 ,did not full many a time my ,felix meet1 ,when he is gone about his daily tasks1 ,ye would know nought of our forgotten life4 ,,maria3 ,so the professor often visits you8 ,,capesius3 ,assuredly4 ,and ,i may tell you all1 ,the very deep indebtedness ,i feel ,to this good woman1 who doth give to me ,in rich abundance1 what none other can4 ,,maria3 ,and of what nature are these gifts of hers8 ,,capesius3 ,if ,i would tell the tale1 then must ,i touch ,a thing that verily doth seem to me ,more wonderful than much that here ,i've heard1 ,in that it speaks more nearly to my soul4 ,and were ,i in some other place1 these words ,would hardly pass the barrier of my lips2 ,yet here they seem to flow therefrom with ease4 ,in my soul-life there often comes a time ,when it doth feel itself pumped out and dry4 ,it seems as though the very fountain-head ,of knowledge had run dry within my heart4 ,then can ,i find no word of any kind ,worthy to speak or worthy to be heard4 ,and when ,i feel such spirit barrenness ,i flee to these good people1 and seek rest ,in their reviving1 peaceful solitude ,then ,mistress ,felix tells me many a tale ,set forth in wondrous pictures1 manifold1 ,of beings1 dwelling in the land of dreams1 ,who lead a joyous life in fairy realms4 ,when thus she speaks1 her tone and speech recall ,some legend oft-told of the ancient days4 ,i ask no question whence she finds these words ,but this one thing alone ,i clearly know3 ,that new life flows therefrom into my soul1 ,and sweeps away its dull paralysis4 ,,maria3 ,to hear such splendid witness to the skill ,of ,dame ,felicia doth1 in wondrous wise1 ,harmoniously blend in every way ,with all that ,benedictus told to us ,about his friend's deep hidden knowledge-founts4 ,,felix ,,balde3 ,he who spake words to us just now1 which showed 7,benedictus appears at the door47 ,how in the realm of universal space1 ,and vast eternities his spirit dwelt1 ,hath surely little need to speak o'er much ,of simple men4 ,,benedictus3 ,thou errest friend4 ,for me ,infinite value hath each word of thine4 ,,felix ,,balde3 ,it was presumption only1 and the bent ,of idle talk1 when thou didst honour me ,to wander at thy side our mountain paths4 ,only because thou didst conceal from me ,how much thyself dost know1 ,i dared to speak4 ,but now our time is up1 and we must go-- ,a long way hence doth lie our quiet home4 ,,felicia3 ,it hath been most refreshing once again ,to come amongst mankind3 and yet ,i fear ,it will not happen very soon again3 ,there is no other life which ,felix deems ,better than living in his mountain heights4 7,exeunt ,felix and his wife47 ,,benedictus3 ,indeed ,i well believe his wife is right1 ,nor will he come again for many days4 ,it needed much to bring him here today4 ,and yet the reason lies not in himself ,why no one knoweth aught of him or his4 ,,capesius3 ,he only seemed to me eccentric1 strange2 ,and many an hour ,i found him talkative ,when ,i was with him2 but his mystic speech ,and strange discourse remained obscure to me1 ,when he revealed all that he claims to know4 ,he spoke of solar beings housed in rocks2 ,of lunar demons1 who disturb their work2 ,and of the sense of number hid in plants2 ,and he who listens to him cannot long ,keep clear the thread of meaning in his words4 ,,benedictus3 ,and yet 'tis also possible to feel ,as if the powers of ,nature1 through these words1 ,sought to reveal themselves in their true state4 7,exit47 ,,strader3 ,already do ,i feel forebodings strange ,that now dark hours are coming in my life4 ,for since the days of cloistered solitude1 ,where ,i was taught such knowledge1 and thereby ,struck to the very darkest depth of soul1 ,not one experience has stirred me so1 ,as this weird vision of the seeress here4 ,,capesius3 ,indeed ,i cannot see that aught of that ,should prove unnerving4 ,and ,i fear1 my friend1 ,that if thou once dost lose thy certainty1 ,dark doubt will soon envelop all thy thought4 ,,strader3 ,too true6 ,and 'tis the fear of just this doubt ,that causeth me full many an anxious hour ,from my experience ,i know nought else ,of this strange gift of seership1 save that when ,life's vexing problems sorely trouble me1 ,then1 ghostlike1 riseth from dark spirit-depths1 ,before my spirit's eyes1 some phantom form ,like some dream-being1 grim and terrible1 ,pressing with fearful weight upon my soul1 ,and clutching horribly around my heart4 ,it seems to speak right through me words like these3 ',if thou dost fail to gain the victory ,o'er me with those blunt weapons of thy thought1 ,thou art a fleeting phantom1 nothing more1 ,formed by thine own deluded imagery4' ,,theodosius3 ,that is the destiny of all such men1 ,as do approach the world by thought alone4 ,the spirit's voice dwells deep in every soul4 ,nor have we strength to pierce the covering ,that spreads itself before our faculties4 ,thought doth bring knowledge of things temporal1 ,of things that vanish in the course of time3 ,the everlasting and all spirit-truth ,are found but in the inner depths of man4 ,,strader3 ,if1 then1 the fruitage of a pious faith ,is able to give rest to weary souls1 ,such souls may wander safely in that path1 ,and find sufficiency within themselves4 ,and yet the power of knowledge1 pure and true1 ,doth never bloom on such a path as this4 ,,theodosius3 ,yet there can be no other way to light ,true spirit-knowledge in the hearts of men4 ,pride may seduce and change to fantasies ,the soul's true depths of feeling1 and may see ,a vision only where faith's beauty lies4 ,one thing alone of all we here have heard ,from spirit-teaching of the higher worlds1 ,strikes clear upon our honest human sense3 ,that only in the spirit-world itself ,the soul can feel itself in its true home4 ,,the ,,other ,,maria3 ,so long as man feels need of speech alone1 ,and nought besides1 so long such words as these ,may satisfy him3 but the fuller life ,with all its strife1 its yearnings after joy1 ,and all its sorrow1 needeth other food ,to nourish and sustain the fainting soul4 ,for me1 an inner voice did drive me on ,to spend all the remaining days of life ,which were allotted me1 in helping those ,whom stress of destiny had smitten down ,and plunged in deepest poverty and need4 ,and far more oft ,i found it necessary ,to soothe the anguish of the soul of man ,than heal his body's pain and suffering4 ,but ,i have felt indeed in many ways ,my will's weak impotence to comfort men4 ,so that ,i am compelled to seek fresh strength ,from out the treasured store which floweth forth ,abundantly from spirit-sources here4 ,the quickening warmth of words which greet mine ear1 ,flows forth with magic force into my hands2 ,and thence1 like healing balsam1 forth again1 ,when those hands touch some sorrow-laden soul4 ,it changeth on my lips to strengthening words ,which carry comfort unto pain-racked hearts4 ,the source of words like these ,i do not ask2 ,i feel their truth--they give me living life4 ,and every day more clearly do ,i see1 ,that they derive their strength not from my will ,in all its weakness1 but create anew ,myself each day unto myself again4 ,,capesius3 ,yet surely there are men enough on earth ,who1 though they lack such revelation's aid1 ,perform innumerable deeds of good8 ,,maria3 ,in sooth there is no lack of men like these ,in many places2 but my friend doth mean ,a different thing2 and if thou didst but know ,the life she led1 thou wouldst speak otherwise4 ,where unused powers in full abundance dwell ,there love will cause the seed to germinate ,in rich abundance in the heart's good soil4 ,but our friend here exhausted life's best powers ,in never-ending toil beyond her strength2 ,and all her will to live lay crushed and dead ,beneath the cruel weight of destiny1 ,which fell upon her4 ,all her strength she gave ,to careful guidance of her children's weal3 ,and low already had her courage ebbed ,when early death took her loved husband home4 ,in such a state as this1 days dull and drear ,seemed all fate had in store whilst life remained4 ,but then the powers of destiny prevailed ,to bring her 'neath the spell of spirit-lore2 ,and soon with us she felt the vital force ,of life break forth in her a second time4 ,fresh aims in life she found1 and with them came ,fresh courage once again to fight and strive4 ,and thus in her the spirit hath achieved ,in very truth to fashion from decay ,a new and living personality4 ,and when the spirit in such fruit as this ,shows its creative potency1 we learn ,its nature1 and the way it speaks to us4 ,and1 if no pride lies hidden in our speech1 ,and highest moral aims live in our hearts2 ,if we believe that in no way at all ,our teaching is our own2--but that alone ,the spirit shows itself within our souls-- ,then may we surely venture to assert ,that in thy mode of thinking may be found ,but feeble shadows waving to and fro ,athwart the real true source of human life3 ,and that the spirit1 which ensouls our work ,is linked in inward harmony with all ,that weaves the web of destiny for man ,deep in the very fundaments of life4 ,i have been privileged for many years ,to give myself to vital work in life3 ,and during all this time more bleeding hearts ,and yearning souls have come before mine eyes1 ,than many would conceive were possible4 ,i do esteem thy high ideal flight1 ,the proud assurance of thy sciences3 ,i like to see the student-audience1 ,respectful1 sit and listen at thy feet3 ,and that to many souls thy work doth bring ,ennobling clarity of thought1 ,i know4 ,but yet regarding thought like this1 it seems1 ,trustworthiness can only dwell therein ,so long as thought lives in itself alone4 ,whereas the realm of which ,i am a part ,sends into deep realities of life ,the fruitage of its words1 since it desires ,to plant in deep realities its roots4 ,far1 far away from all thy thought doth lie ,the written word upon the spirit-heaven ,which with momentous tokens doth announce ,new growth upon the tree of humankind4 ,and though indeed such thought seems clear and sure ,as follows faithfully the ancient path1 ,yet can it only touch the tree's coarse bark1 ,and never reach the marrow's living power4 ,,romanus3 ,for my part ,i do seek in vain the bridge ,that truly leadeth from ideas to deeds4 ,,capesius3 ,on one side thou dost over-estimate ,the power which can be wielded by ideas1 ,and on the other thou dost fail to grasp ,the actual course of true reality3 ,for it is certain that ideas must form ,the germ of all the actual deeds of men4 ,,romanus3 ,if this friend doth so many deeds of good1 ,the impulse thereunto lies in herself ,and her warm-hearted nature1 not in thought4 ,most certainly 'tis necessary for man1 ,whene'er he hath accomplished any work1 ,to find foundation for it in ideas4 ,but yet 'tis only schooling of man's will ,in harmony with all his skill and power ,to undertake some real work in life ,which will help forward all the human race4 ,when whirr of busy wheels sounds in mine ears1 ,or when ,i see some creaking windlass drawn ,by strong stout hands of men content to work1 ,then do ,i sense indeed the powers of ,life4 ,,germanus3 ,often in careless speech have ,i maintained ,that ,i preferred things droll and humorous ,and held these only full of wit and charm1 ,deeming that for my brain at any rate1 ,they always would provide material ,best fitted to fill up the time that lies ,between my recreation and my work4 ,but now quite tasteless to me seem such things2 ,the ,power ,invisible hath conquered me2 ,and ,i have learned to feel that there may be ,more powerful forces in humanity1 ,than all our wit's frail castles in the air4 ,,capesius3 ,and did it seem that nowhere else but here ',twas possible to find such spirit-powers8 ,,germanus3 ,indeed the life ,i lived did offer me ,full many a type of intellectual works3 ,yet cared ,i not to pluck or taste their fruit4 ,but this strange mode of thought which blossoms here ,seemed to attract and draw me to itself ,however little ,i desired to come4 ,,capesius3 ,most pleasant hath this hour of converse been1 ,and we are debtors to our hostess here4 7,exeunt all1 except ,maria and ,johannes47 ,,johannes3 ,oh1 stay a little while yet by my side1 ,i am afraid3--so desperately afraid3-- ,,maria3 ,what is it aileth thee1 my friend8 ,speak forth4 ,,johannes3 ,the first cause was our leader's speech2 and then ,the chequered converse of these people here4 ,it all hath moved and stirred me through and through4 ,,maria3 ,but how could simple speeches such as these ,seize on thine heart with such intensity8 ,,johannes3 ,each word seemed in that moment unto me ,a dreadful symbol of our nothingness4 ,,maria3 ,indeed it was significant to see ,pour forth in such short time so many kinds ,of life and man's conflicting tendencies1 ,in all the speeches that we lately heard4 ,yet 'tis indeed a most peculiar trait ,of life1 as it is lived amongst us here1 ,to bring to speech the inner mind of man2 ,and much that otherwise comes slowly forth1 ,stands here revealed in little space of time4 ,,johannes3 ,a mirrored picture 'twas of fullest life ,that showed me to myself in clearest lines3 ,this spirit-revelation makes me feel ,that most of us protect and train one trait ,and one alone in all our character1 ,which thus persuades itself it is the whole4 ,i sought to unify these many traits ,in mine own self and boldly trod the path ,which here is shown1 to lead unto that goal2 ,and it hath made of me a nothingness4 ,keenly ,i feel what all these others lack1 ,and yet ,i sense as keenly that they all ,have actual part in life itself1 whilst ,i ,stand but on unsubstantial nothingness4 ,it seemed whole lines of life ran into one ,significant in those brief speeches here4 ,but then mine own life's portrait also rose ,and stood forth vividly within my soul4 ,the days of childhood first were painted there1 ,with all its fulness and its joy in life3 ,then came the picture of my youthful prime ,with that proud hopefulness in parent-hearts ,awakened by the talents of their son4 ,then dreams concerning my career in art1 ,which formed life's all in those old happy days1 ,surged up from out my spirit's inmost depths ,exhorting to fulfil my cherished hopes2 ,and then those dreams in which thyself didst see ,how ,i translated into coloured form ,the spirit-life that liveth in thy soul4 ,then saw ,i tongues of fire spring up and lick ,around my youthful dreams and artist hopes1 ,reducing all to dust and nothingness4 ,thereafter rose another pictured form ,from out that drear and dreadful nothingness-- ,a human form1 which once had linked its fate ,in faithful love with mine in days long past4 ,she sought to hold me by her when ,i turned ,long years ago unto my home again1 ,called to attend my mother's funeral rites4 ,i heeded not1 but tore myself away4 ,for mighty was the power that drew me here ,to this thy circle and the goals of life ,which here are set before our eager gaze4 ,in those dark days ,i felt no sense of guilt ,when ,i did rend in twain the bond of love1 ,that was unto another soul its life4 ,nor later when the message came to me ,how that her life did slowly pine away1 ,and finally was altogether quenched ,did ,i feel aught of guilt until today2 ,but full of meaning were those recent words ,in yonder chamber which our leader spake2 ,how that we may destroy by power misused ,and perverse thought the destiny of those ,whom bonds of loving trust link to our souls4 ,ah1 hideously these words again resound ,out of the picture1 thence re-echoing ,with ghastly repetition from all sides3 ',her murderer thou art6 her hast thou slain6' ,thus whilst this weighty speech hath been for all ,the motive to probe deep within themselves1 ,within my heart it hath brought forth alone ,the consciousness of this most grievous guilt4 ,by this new means of sight ,i can perceive ,how far astray my striving footsteps erred4 ,,maria3 ,and at this moment1 friend1 in dark domains ,thou walkest1 and none else can help thee there1 ,save he1 in whom we all do put our trust4 7,maria is called away2 re-enter ,helena47 ,,helena3 ,i feel constrained to linger by thy side ,a little while2 since now for many weeks ,thy gaze hath held so much of grief and care4 ,how can the light1 which streams so radiantly ,bring gloom unto thy soul1 which only strives ,with utmost strength to seek and know the truth8 ,,johannes3 ,hath then this light brought naught but joy to thee8 ,,helena3 ,not the same joy as that which once ,i knew1 ,but that new joy which springeth from those words1 ,through which the spirit doth reveal itself4 ,,johannes3 ,natheless ,i tell thee that the self-same power1 ,which doth in thee create1 can also crush4 ,,helena3 ,some error must have crept into thy soul ,with cunning tread1 if this be possible2 ,and if dull care instead of happiness1 ,and moods of sorrow flow forth from the source ,of truth itself instead of spirit-bliss ,in free abundance3 seek then in thyself ,the stumbling-blocks that thus impede thy way4 ,how often are we told that only health ,is the true fruitage of our teaching here1 ,which makes to blossom forth the powers of life4 ,shall it then show the contrary in thee8 ,i see its fruitage in so many lives1 ,which1 trusting me1 find union in themselves4 ,their former mode of life grows day by day ,strange and still stranger to such souls as these2 ,as well-springs are fresh opened in their hearts1 ,thenceforth renewing life within themselves4 ,to gaze into the primal depths of being ,doth not create those passionate desires ,which torture and torment the souls of men4 7,exit47 ,,johannes4,,johannes3 ,it took me many years to understand ,and know the vanity of things of sense ,when spirit-knowledge is not joined with them ,in close and intimate companionship3 ,and yet one single moment proves to me ,that e'en the highest wisdom's words may be ,but vanity of soul in man's own self4 ,curtain ,,scene #b ,in the open4 ,rocks and springs4 ,the entire scene is to be thought of as taking place in the soul of ,johannes ,thomasius4 ,what follows is the content of his meditation4 7,there sounds from the springs and rocks37 ,know thou thyself1 ,o man4 ,,johannes3 ',tis thus ,i hear them1 now these many years1 ,these words of weighty import all around1 7hear them in the wind and in the wave3 ,out from earth's depths do they resound to me3 ,and as a tiny acorn's mystery1 ,confines the structure of a mighty oak1 ,so in the kernel of these words there lies1 ,all elemental nature2 all ,i grasp ,of soul1 of spirit1 time1 eternity4 ,it seems mine own peculiarities ,and all the world besides live in these words3 ',know thou thyself1 ,o man4 ,know thou thyself4' 7,from the springs and rocks resounds37 ,know thou thyself1 ,o man4 ,,johannes3 ,and now--,i feel ,mine inmost being terrified to life3 ,without the gloom of night doth weave me round1 ,and deep within my soul thick darkness yawns3 ,and sounding from this universal gloom ,and up from out the darkness of my soul ,these words ring forth3 ',know thou thyself1 ,o man4' 7,from the springs and rocks resounds37 ,know thou thyself1 ,o man4 ,,johannes3 ,it robs me of my very self3 ,i change ,each hour of day1 and am transformed by night4 ,the earth ,i follow on its cosmic course3 ,i seem to rumble in the thunder's peal1 ,and flash adown the lightning's fierce-forked tongue-- ,i ,,am4--,alas1 already do ,i feel ,mine own existence snatched away from me4 ,i see what was my former carnal shape1 ,as some strange being1 quite outside myself1 ,and infinitely far away from me4 ,but now another body hovers near1 ,and through its mouth ,i am compelled to speak3-- ',ah1 bitter sorrow hath he brought to me2 ,so utterly ,i trusted him of old4 ,he left me lonely with my sorrow's pain1 ,he robbed me of the very warmth of life1 ,and thrust me deep beneath the chill1 cold ground4' ,poor soul1 'tis she ,i left1 and leaving her ,it was in truth mine own self that ,i left2 ,and ,i must suffer all her pain and woe4 ,for knowledge hath endowed me with the power ,myself into another's self to fuse4 ,ah me6 ,ye quench again by your own power ,the light of inner knowledge ye have brought1 ,ye cruel words1 ',know thou thyself1 ,o man4' 7,from the springs and rocks resounds37 ,know thou thyself1 ,o man4 ,,johannes3 ,ye lead me back again within the sphere ,of mine own being's former fantasies4 ,yet in what shape know ,i myself again6 ,my human form is lost and gone from me2 ,like some fierce dragon do ,i see myself2 ,begotten out of primal lust and greed4 ,and clearly do ,i see how up till now ,some dim deluding veil of phantom forms ,hath hid from me mine own monstrosity4 ,mine own self's fierceness must devour my ,self4 ,and through my veins run like consuming fire ,those words1 that once with elemental force ,revealed the core of suns and earths to me4 ,they throb within my pulse1 beat in mine heart2 ,and even in mine inmost thoughts ,i feel ,strange worlds e'en now blaze forth like passions fierce4 ,they are the fruitage of these very words3 ',know thou thyself1 ,o man4 ,know thou thyself1' 7,from the springs and rocks resounds37 ,know thou thyself1 ,o man4 ,,johannes3 ,there1--from that dark abyss1 what creature glares8 ,i feel the chains that hold me chained to thee4 ,so fast was not ,prometheus rivetted ,upon the naked rocks of ,caucasus1 ,as ,i am rivetted and forged to thee-- ,who art thou1 fearful1 execrable shape8 7,from the springs and rocks resounds37 ,know thou thyself1 ,o man4 ,,johannes3 ,oh yea1 ,i know thee2 for thou art myself3 ,knowledge doth chain to thee1 pernicious beast1 7,enter ,maria unnoticed by ,johannes47 ,chain mine own self to thee1 pernicious beast4 ,i willed to flee from thee2 but ,i was blind1 ,blinded by glamour of the worlds1 whereto ,my folly fled to free me from myself2 ,and now once more within my sightless soul ,blind through these words3 ',know thou thyself1 ,o man4' 7,from the springs and rocks resounds37 ,know thou thyself1 ,o man4 ,,johannes3 7,as though coming to himself1 sees ,maria4 ,the meditation passes to the plane of inner reality47 ,thou here1 my friend8 ,,maria3 ,i sought thee1 friend1 although ,i know full well ,how comforting to thee is solitude1 ,when many varying thoughts of many men ,have flooded o'er thy soul4 ,i also know ,i cannot by my presence help my friend ,in this dark hour of strife--yet yearnings vague ,drive me in this same moment unto thee2 ,when ,benedictus' words1 instead of light1 ,such grievous sorrow drew from thy soul's depths4 ,,johannes3 ,how comforting to me is solitude6 ,yea1 ,i have sought to find myself therein1 ,so often when to labyrinths of thought ,the joys and griefs of men had driven me4 ,but now1 ,o friend1 that1 too1 is past and gone4 ,what ,benedictus' words at first aroused ,within my soul1 and all that ,i lived through ,when listening to the speeches of those men1 ,seems but indeed a little thing1 when ,i ,compare therewith the storm that solitude ,with sullen brooding hath brought forth in me4 ,ah me6 when ,i recall this solitude6 ,it hounded me into the voids of space1 ,and tore me from my very self in two4 ,within that soul to whom ,i brought such pain ,i stood1 as though ,i were some other man4 ,and there ,i had to suffer all the pain ,of which ,i was myself the primal cause4 ,ah cruel1 sombre1 fearful solitude ,thou giv'st me back unto myself indeed1 ,yet but to terrify me with the sight ,of mine own nature's fathomless abyss4 ,man's final refuge hath been lost to me3 ,i have been robbed of solitude itself4 ,,maria3 ,i must repeat what ,i have said before4 ,alone can ,benedictus succour thee2 ,only from him may we obtain support ,and that firm basis which we both do lack4 ,for know thou this3 ,i also can no more ,endure the riddle of my life1 unless ,his gentle guidance solveth it for me4 ,full often have ,i kept before mine eyes ,this truth sublime1 that o'er all life doth float ,appearance and deception if we grasp ,life's surface only in our moods of thought4 ,and o'er and o'er again it spake to me3 ,thou must take knowledge how illusion's veil ,weaves all around thee2 and however oft ,it may appear to thee as truth1 beware2 ,for evil fruitage may in truth arise ,if thou shouldst try within another's soul ,to wake the light that lives within thyself4 ,yet in the best part of my soul ,i know ,that even this oppressive weight of care ,which hath o'erwhelmed thy soul1 dear friend of mine1 ,as thou didst tread with me the path of life1 ,is part and parcel of the thorny way1 ,that leads unto the light of ,truth itself4 ,thou must live through each horror and alarm ,that can spring forth from vain imagining ,before the ,truth in essence stands revealed4 ,thus speaks thy star2 and by that same star speech ,it doth appear to me that we shall walk ,one day united1 on the spirit-paths4 ,and yet whene'er ,i seek to tread these paths ,black night doth spread a curtain round my sight4 ,and many things that ,i must live and do1 ,which spring as fruitage from my character1 ,intensify the darkness of that night4 ,we two must seek clear vision in that light1 ,which1 though it vanish for a while from sight1 ,can never be extinguished in the soul4 ,,johannes3 ,but then1 ,maria1 dost thou realize ,through what my soul hath fought its way but now8 ,a grievous destiny awaiteth thee1 ,most noble friend4 ,for well ,i know that far ,from thy pure nature lies that potent force1 ,that hath so wholly shattered me to bits4 ,thou canst ascend the clearest heights of truth1 ,and scan with steadfast gaze life's tangled path2 ,and whether in the darkness or the light ,thou wilt retain thine own identity4 ,but me each moment may deprive of ,self4 ,deep down ,i had to dive within the hearts ,of those who late revealed themselves in speech4 ,i followed one to cloistered solitude1-- ,and in another's soul ,i listened to ,felicia's fairy lore4 ,i was each one2 ,only unto myself ,i seemed as dead2 ,for ,i must fain believe that primal life ,did spring from very ,nothingness itself1 ,if it were right to entertain the hope1 ,that out of that dread nothingness in me ,a human being ever could arise4 ,for ,i am driven from fear into the dark ,and from the darkness back again to fear ,by wisdom stored within these living words3 ',know thou thyself1 ,o man4 ,know thou thyself4' 7,from the springs and rocks the words resound37 ,know thou thyself1 ,o man4 ,curtain ,,scene #c ,a room for meditation4 ,the background is a great purple curtain4 ,the scene is purple in colour with a large yellow pentagonal lamp suspended from the ceiling4 ,no other furniture or ornaments are in the room except the lamp and one chair4 ,benedictus1 ,johannes1 ,maria1 and a child4 ,,maria3 ,i bring to thee this child who needs some word ,from out thy mouth4 ,,benedictus3 ,my child1 henceforth each eve ,thou shalt come unto me to hear the word ,that shall fill full thy soul ere thou dost tread ,the realm of souls in sleep4 ,wilt thou do this8 ,,child3 ,most gladly will ,i come4 ,,benedictus3 ,this very eve ,fill thy soul full ere sleep embraceth thee1 ,with strength from these few words3 ',the powers of light ,bear me aloft unto the spirit's home4' 7,maria leads the child away47 ,,maria3 ,and now1 that this child's destiny doth flow ,harmoniously through future days beneath ,the shadow of thy gracious fatherhood1 ,i too may claim my leader's kind advice1 ,who am its mother1 not by bond of blood ,but through the mighty power of destiny4 ,for thou hast shown to me the way wherein ,i had to guide its footsteps from that day1 ,when ,i discovered it before my door ,left by its unknown mother desolate4 ,and wonder-working proved themselves those rules ,whereby thou madest me train my foster-child4 ,all powers1 that deep in body and in soul ,lay hidden1 issued forth to light and life3 ,clear proof it was that all thy counselling ,sprang from the realm which sheltered this child's soul ,before it built its body's covering4 ,we saw the hopes of manhood blossom forth ,and radiate more brightly each new day2 ,thou dost know well how hard it was for me ,to gain the child's affection1 at the first4 ,it grew up 'neath my care1 and yet nought else ,save habit chained its soul at first to mine4 ,it only realized and felt that ,i ,gave it the nurture and the food that served ,the needs of body and the growth of soul4 ,then came the time when in the child-like heart ,there dawned the love for her who fostered it4 ,an outer incident brought forth this change-- ,the visit of the seeress to our group4 ,gladly the child did go about with her ,and soon did learn full many a beauteous word ,steeped in the mystic charm that graced her speech4 ,then came the moment when her ecstasy ,descended on our friend with magic power4 ,the child could see her eyes' strange smouldering light1 ,and1 terrified unto its vital core1 ,the young soul dawned to consciousness of self4 ,in her dismay she fled unto mine arms2 ,and from that hour did grow her love for me4 ,since that same time she doth accept from me ,the gifts of life with her full consciousness ,not with blind instinct3 aye1 and since that day ,when this young heart first quivered into warmth1 ,whene'er her gaze met mine with loving glance1 ,thy wisdom's treasures of their fruitage failed1 ,and much already ripe hath withered up4 ,i saw appear in her those tokens strange ,that proved so terrible unto my friend4 ,a dark enigma am ,i to myself1 ,and grow still darker4 ,thou wilt not deny ,to solve for me life's fearful questionings8 ,why do ,i thus destroy both friend and child1 ,when ,i in love approach my work with them ,to give them knowledge of that spirit-lore ,which in my soul ,i know to be the good8 ,oft hast thou taught me this exalted truth-- ',illusion's veil o'erspreads life's surfaces'-- ,yet must ,i see with greater clarity ,why ,i must bear this heavy destiny1 ,that seems so cruel and which works such harm4 ,,benedictus3 ,within our circle there is formed a knot ,of threads that ,karma spins world-fashioning4 ,thy sufferings1 my friend are links in chains1 ,forged by the hand of destiny1 whereby ,the deeds of gods unite with human lives4-- ,when in life's pilgrimage ,i had attained ,that rank which granted me the dignity ,to serve with counsel in the spirit-spheres1 ,a godlike ,being did draw nigh to me1 ,who would descend into the realms of earth1 ,and dwell there1 veiled in form of flesh1 as man4 ,for just at this one turning-point of time ,the ,karma of mankind made this demand4 ,for each great step in world-development ,is only possible when gods do stoop ,to link themselves with human destiny4 ,and this new spirit-sight that needs must grow ,and germinate henceforth in souls of men ,can only be unfolded when a god ,doth plant the seed within some human heart4 ,my task it was to find that human soul ,which worthy seemed to take within itself ,the powerful ,seed of ,god4 ,i had to join ,the deed of heaven to some human lot4 ,my spirit's eye then sought1 and fell on thee4 ,thy course of life had fitted thee to be ,the mediator in salvation's work4 ,through many former lives thou hadst acquired ,receptiveness for all the greatest things ,that human hearts can e'er experience4 ,within thy tender soul thou didst bring forth1 ,as spirit heritage1 the noble gift ,of beauty1 joined to virtue's loftiest claim3 ,and that which thine eternal ,self had formed ,and brought to being through thy birth on earth ,did reach ripe fruitage when thy years were few4-- ,too soon thou didst not scale steep spirit-heights2 ,nor grew thy yearning for the spirit-land ,before thou hadst the full enjoyment known ,of harmless pleasures in the world of sense4 ,anger and love thy soul did learn to know ,when thy thoughts dwelt yet far from spirit-life4 ,nature in all her beauty to enjoy1 ,and pluck the fruits of art1--these didst thou strive ,to make thy life's sole content and its wealth4 ,merry thy laughter1 as a child can laugh ,who hath not known as yet life's shadowed fears4 ,and thus thou learn'dst to understand life's joy1 ,and mourn its sadness1 each in its own time1 ,before thy dawning conscience grew to seek ,of sorrow and of happiness the cause4 ,a ripened fruit of many lives that soul1 ,that enters earth's domains1 and shows such moods4 ,its childlike nature is the blossoming ,and not the ground-root of its character4 ,and such a soul alone was ,i to choose ,as mediator for the ,god1 who sought ,the power to work within our human world4 ,and now thou learnest that thy nature must ,transform itself into its opposite1 ,when it flows forth to other human souls4 ,the spirit in thee ripens whatsoe'er ,in human nature can attain the realm ,of vast eternity2 and much it slays ,that is but part of transitory realms4 ,and yet the sacrifices of such deaths ,are but the seeds of immortality1 ,all that which blossoms forth from death below ,must grow unto the higher life above4 ,,maria3 ,e'en so it is with me4 ,thou giv'st me light3 ,but light that doth deprive me of my sight1 ,and sunder me from mine own self in twain4 ,then do ,i seem some spirit's instrument ,no longer master of myself4 ,no more ,do ,i endure that erstwhile form of mine ,which only is a mask and not the truth4 ,,johannes3 ,o friend1 what ails thee8 ,vanished is the light ,that filled thine eye3 as marble is thy frame4 ,i grasp thine hand and find it cold as death4 ,,benedictus3 ,my son1 full many trials have come to thee2 ,and now thou stand'st before life's hardest test4 ,thou seest the carnal covering of thy friend2 ,but her true self doth float in spirit-spheres ,before mine eyes4 ,,johannes3 ,see6 ,her lips move2 she speaks4 ,,maria3 ,thou gav'st me clearness2 yet this clearness throws ,a veil of darkness round on every side4 ,i curse thy clearness2 and ,i curse thee too1 ,who didst make tool of me for weird wild arts ,whereby thou willedst to deceive mankind4 ,no doubt at any moment hitherto ,had crossed my mind of heights thy spirit reached2 ,but now one single moment doth suffice ,to tear all faith in thee from out my heart4 ,those spirit-beings thou art subject to1 ,i now must recognize as hellish fiends4 ,others ,i had to mislead and deceive ,because at first ,i was deceived by thee4-- ,but ,i will flee unto dim distances1 ,where not a sound of thee shall reach mine ears2 ,yet near enough that thy soul may be reached ,by bitter curses framed by these my lips4 ,for thou didst rob my blood of all its fire1 ,that thou mightst sacrifice to thy false god ,that which was rightly mine and mine alone4 ,but now this same blood's fire shall thee consume4 ,thou madest me trust in vain imaginings2 ,and that this might be so1 thou first didst make ,a pictured falsehood of my very self4 ,often had ,i to mark how in my soul ,each deed and thought turned to its opposite2 ,so now doth turn what once was love for thee1 ,into the fire of wild and bitter hate4 ,through all worlds will ,i seek to find that fire ,which can consume thee4 ,see--,i cur--,ah--woe6 ,,johannes3 ,who speaketh here8 ,i do not see my friend4 ,i hear instead some gruesome being speak4 ,,benedictus3 ,thy friend's soul hovers in the heights above4 ,only her mortal image hath she left ,here with us3 and where'er a human form ,is found bereft of soul1 there is the room ,sought by the enemy1 the foe of good1 ,to enter into realms perceptible1 ,and find some carnal form through which to speak4 ,just such an adversary spake e'en now1 ,who would destroy the work imposed on me ,for thee1 my son1 and millions yet unborn4 ,were ,i to deem these wild anathemas1 ,which our friend's shell did utter here and now1 ,aught else but some grim tempter's cunning skill1 ,thou durst not follow more my leadership4 ,the enemy of ,good stood by my side1 ,and thou hast seen into the darkness plunged ,all that is temporal of that dear form1 ,for whom1 my son1 thy whole love burns and glows4 ,since through her mouth spirits spake oft to thee1 ,the ,karma of the world could not restrain ,hell's princes also speaking thus through her4 ,first now thou mayst seek her very soul ,and learn her nature's inmost verity2 ,for she shall form for thee the prototype ,of that new higher type of humankind ,to which thou dost aspire to raise thyself4 ,her soul hath soared aloft to spirit-heights1 ,where every man may find his being's source ,which springs to life and fulness in himself4 ,thou too shalt follow her to spirit-realms1 ,and see her in the ,temple of the ,sun4-- ,within this circle there is formed a knot ,of threads which ,karma spins1 world fashioning4 ,my son1 since thou hast now attained thus far1 ,thou shalt still further pierce beyond the veil4 ,i see thy star in fullest splendour shine4 ,there is no place within the realm of sense ,for strife1 such as men wage when they do strive ,and struggle after consecration's gift4 ,the riddles which arise in worlds of sense ,must find solution through man's intellect2 ,from all that sense engenders in man's heart ,whether of love or hate1 whate'er its source ,and howsoever direful its results1 ,the spirit-seeker needs must stand aloof1 ,whence he may cast his glance all undisturbed ,upon the fields where such contentions rage4 ,for him must other powers unfold themselves ,which are not found upon that field of strife4 ,so didst thou need to fight to prove thy soul ,in combat such as comes to him alone1 ,who finds himself accoutred for such powers ,as do belong unto the spirit-worlds4 ,and had these powers found thee not ripe enough ,to tread the path of knowledge1 they needs must ,have maimed thy powers of feeling1 ere thou daredst ,to know all that which now is known to thee4 ,the ,beings1 who can gaze into world-depths1 ,lead on those men1 who would attain the heights1 ,first to that summit whence it may be shown ,whether there lies in them the power to reach ,to conscious sight within the spirit-realms4 ,and those in whom such powers are found to lie ,are straightway from the world of sense set free4 ,the others all must wait their season due4 ,but thou1 thou hast preserved thy ,self1 my son1 ,when ,powers on high stirred to its depths thy soul4 ,and potent spirits shrouded thee with fear4 ,right powerfully thy ,self hath fought its way ,e'en though thy very heart was torn by doubts1 ,that willed to thrust thee into darksome depths4 ,true pupil of my teaching hast thou been1 ,first since that hour1 so fraught with fate for thee1 ,when thou didst learn to doubt thy very self1 ,and gavest up thyself as wholly lost1 ,but yet the strength within thee held thee fast4 ,then might ,i give thee of my treasured store ,of wisdom1 whence to draw the strength to stand ,assured1 e'en when mistrusting thine own self4 ,such was the wisdom which thou didst attain ,more steadfast than the faith once given to thee4 ,ripe wast thou found1 and thou may'st be set free4 ,thy friend hath gone before and waits for thee ,in spirit-worlds1 and thou shalt find her there4 ,i can but add this guidance for thee now3 ,kindle the full power of thy soul with words ,which through my lips shall grant to thee the key ,to spirit-heights1 and they will lead thee on ,when naught else leads1 that eyes of sense can see4 ,receive them in the fulness of thy heart3 ',the weaving essence of the light streams forth ,through depths of space to fill the world with light2 ,love's grace doth warm the centuries of time ,to call forth revelation of all worlds4 ,and spirit-messengers come forth to wed ,the weaving essence of creative light ,with revelation of the souls of men3 ,and that man1 who can wed to both of these ,his very ,self1 he lives in spirit-heights4' ,o spirits1 who are visible to man1 ,quicken with life the soul of this our son3 ,from inmost depths may there stream forth for him ,that which can fill his soul with spirit-light4 ,from inmost depths may there resound for him ,that which can wholly wake in him his ,self ,to the creative joy of spirit-life4 ,a ,,spirit-,,voice ,,behind ,,the ,,stage3 ,to founts of worlds primeval ,his surging thoughts do mount2-- ,what as shadow he hath thought ,what as fancy he hath lived ,soars up beyond the world of form and shape2 ,on whose fulness pondering ,mankind in shadow dreams1 ,o'er whose fulness gazing forth ,mankind in fancy lives4 ,curtain ,,scene #d ,a landscape1 which seeks to express the world of souls by its characteristic peculiarities4 ,enter ,lucifer and ,ahriman4 ,johannes is seen at the right of the stage in deep meditation4 ,what follows is experienced by him in meditation4 ,,lucifer3 ,o man1 know thou thyself2 ,o man1 feel me4 ,from spirit guidance1 thou hast freed thyself1 ,and into earth's free realms thou hast escaped4 ,midst earth's confusion thou didst seek to prove ,thine own existence2 and to find thyself ,was thy reward1 and was thy destiny4 ,me didst thou find3 for certain spirits willed ,to cast a veil before the eyes of sense2 ,which veil ,i rent in twain4 ,those spirits willed ,to follow out their own desires in thee2 ,but ,i gave thee self-will and foiled their aim4 ,o man1 know thou thyself2 ,o man1 feel me4 ,,ahriman3 ,o man1 know me2 ,o man1 feel thou thyself4 ,thou hast escaped from darkened spirit-realms ,and thou hast found again the earth's pure light1 ,so now from my sure ground drink strength and truth4 ,i make earth hard and fast4 ,the spirits willed ,to snatch away from thee the charm of sense2 ,which charm ,i weave for thee in light condensed4 ,i lead thee unto true reality4 ,o man1 know me2 ,o man1 feel thou thyself4 ,,lucifer3 ,time was not when thou didst not live through me4 ,i followed thee throughout the course of life1 ,and was permitted to bestow on thee ,strong personal traits and joy in thine own self4 ,,ahriman3 ,time was not when thou didst not me behold4 ,thy mortal eyes saw me in all earth's growth2 ,i was permitted to shine forth for thee ,in beauty proud and revelation's bliss4 ,,johannes 7to himself in meditation73 ,this is the sign as ,benedictus told4 ,before the world of souls stand these two powers3 ,the one1 as ,tempter1 lives within the soul2 ,the other doth obscure the sight of man ,when he directeth it to outward things4 ,the one took on the woman's form e'en now1 ,to bring the soul's illusions 'neath my gaze2 ,the other may be found in everything4 7,enter the ,spirit of the ,elements with ,capesius and ,strader1 whom he has brought to the earth's surface from the earth's depths4 ,they are conceived as souls looking out upon the earth's surface4 ,the ,spirit of the ,elements is aged and stands erect upon a sphere4 ,capesius and ,strader are in astral garb2 the former1 though the older man of the two in years1 here appears the younger4 ,he wears blue robes of various shades1 ,strader wears brown and yellow47 ,,spirit3 ,so have ye reached the spot ye longed to find4 ,it proved indeed a heavy care to me1 ,to grant your wish4 ,spirits and elements ,did rage in mad wild storm when their domain ,i had to enter with your essences4 ,your minds opposed the ruling of my powers4 ,,capesius3 ,mysterious ,being1 who art thou1 who hast ,brought me to this fair realm through spirit-spheres8 ,,spirit3 ,the soul of man may only look on me1 ,whene'er the service which ,i render it ,hath been achieved4 ,then may it trace my powers ,through all the moving sequences of time4 ,,capesius3 ,it matters little to me to enquire ,what spirit led me hither to this place4 ,i feel life's powers revive in this new land1 ,whose light doth seem to widen mine own breast2 ,in my pulse-beat ,i feel the whole world's might2 ,and premonitions of exalted deeds ,thrill in my heart4 ,i will translate in words ,the revelation of this beauteous realm1 ,that hath refreshed me in such wondrous wise2 ,and souls of men shall bloom1 as choicest flowers ,if ,i can pour into their life on earth ,the inspiration flowing from these founts4 7,lightning and thunder from the depths and heights47 ,,strader3 ,why quake the depths1 and why resound the heights8 ,when hope's young dreams surge upward in the soul8 7,lightning and thunder47 ,,spirit3 ,to human dreamers words of hope like these ,sound proud indeed2 but in the depths of earth ,the vain illusions of mistaken thought ,awake such thunderous echoes evermore4 ,ye mortals hear them only at those times ,when ye draw nigh to my domain4 ,ye think ,to build exalted temples unto ,truth1 ,and yet your work's effects do but unchain ,storm-spirits in primeval depths of earth4 ,nay more1 the spirits must destroy whole worlds1 ,that deeds ye do in realms where time hath sway ,may not cause devastation and cold death ,through all the ages of eternity4 ,,strader3 ,so these eternal ages must regard ,as empty fantasy what seems the truth ,to man's best observation and research4 7,lightning and thunder47 ,,spirit3 ,an empty fantasy1 so long as sense ,doth only search in realms to spirit strange4 ,,strader3 ,thou may'st well call a dreamer that friend's soul ,which in the joy of youth its goal doth set ,with such a noble strength and high desire2 ,but in mine aged heart thy words fall dead ,despite their summoned aid of thunderous storms4 ,i tore myself from cloistered quietude ,to proud achievement in my search for truth4 ,in life's storm-centres many a year ,i stood1 ,and men had confidence in me1 and what ,i taught them through my deep strong sense for truth4 7,lightning and thunder47 ,,spirit3 ',tis fitting for thee to confess that none ,can tell whence stream the fountains of our thought1 ,nor where the fundaments of ,being lie4 ,,strader3 ,oh this same speech1 which in youth's hopeful days ,so oft with chill persistence pierced my soul ,when thought-foundations quaked1 which once seemed firm6 7,lightning and thunder47 ,,spirit3 ,if thou dost fail to gain the victory ,o'er me with those blunt weapons of thy thought ,thou art a fleeting phantom1 nothing more1 ,formed by thine own deluded imagery4 ,,strader3 ,so soon again such gruesome speech from thee6 ,this too ,i heard before in mine own soul1 ,when once a seeress threateningly did wish ,to wreck the firm foundations of my thought ,and make me feel the sharp dread sting of doubt4 ,but that is past1 and ,i defy thy might1 ,thou aged rogue1 so cunningly concealed ,beneath a mask devised by thine own self ,to counterfeit the form of nature's lord4 ,reason will overthrow thee1 otherwise ,than thou dost think1 when once she is enthroned ,upon the proud heights of the mind of man4 ,as mistress will she reign assuredly ,not as some handmaiden in nature's realm4 ,,spirit3 ,the world is ordered so1 that every act ,requires a like reaction3 unto you ,i gave the self2 ye owe me my reward4 ,,capesius3 ,i will myself create from mine own soul ,the spirit counterpart of things of sense4 ,and when at length all nature stands transformed1 ,idealized through man's creative work1 ,her mirrored form shall be reward enough2 ,and then if thou dost feel thyself akin ,to that great mother of all worlds1 and spring'st ,from depths where world-creating forces reign4 ,then let my will1 which lives in head and breast1 ,inspiring me to aim at highest goals1 ,be thy reward for deeds done at my best4 ,thy help hath raised me from dull sentiment ,to thought's proud heights--,let this be thy reward6 7,lightning and thunder47 ,,spirit3 ,ye well can see1 how little your bold words ,bear weight in my domain3 they do but loose ,the storm1 and rouse the elements to wrath1 ,fierce adversaries of the ordered world4 ,,capesius3 ,take then thine own reward where't may be found4 ,the impulse that doth drive the souls of men ,to seek true spirit-heights within themselves ,set their own measure1 their own order make4 ,creation were not possible for man ,if others wished to claim what he had made4 ,the song that trills from out the linnet's throat ,sufficeth for itself2 and so doth man ,find his reward1 when in his fashioning work ,he doth experience creative joy4 7,lightning and thunder47 ,,spirit3 ,it is not meet to grudge me my reward4 ,if ye yourselves cannot repay the debt ,then tell the woman1 who endowed your souls ,with power1 that she must pay instead of you4 7,exit47 ,,capesius3 ,he hath departed4 ,whither turn we now8 ,to find our way aright in these new worlds ,must be1 it seems1 the first care of our minds4 ,,strader3 ,to follow confidently the best way1 ,that we can find1 with sure but cautious tread1 ,methinks should lead us straightway to the goal4 ,,capesius3 ,rather should we be silent as to goal4 ,that we shall find if we courageously ,obey the impulse of our inner self1 ,which speaks thus to me3 ',let ,truth be thy guide2 ,may it unfold strong powers within thyself ,and mould them with the noblest fashioning ,in all that thou shalt do2 then must thy steps ,attain their destined goal1 nor go astray4' ,,strader3 ,yet from the outset it were best our steps ,should not lack consciousness of their true goal1 ,if we would be of service unto men ,and give them happiness4 ,he1 who would serve ,himself alone1 doth follow his own heart2 ,but he1 who wills to serve his neighbour best1 ,must surely know his life's necessities4 7,the ,other ,maria1 also in soul-form1 emerges from the rocks1 covered with precious stones47 ,but see6 ,what wondrous being's this8 ,it seems ,as though the rock itself did give it birth4 ,from what world-depths do such strange forms arise8 ,,the ,,other ,,maria3 ,i wrest my way through solid rock1 and fain ,would clothe in human speech its very will2 ,i sense earth's essence and with human brains ,i fain would think the thoughts of ,earth herself4 ,i breathe the purest airs of life1 and shape ,the powers of air to feel as doth mankind4 ,,strader3 ,then thou canst not assist us in our quest4 ,for far aloft from men's endeavour stands ,all that which must abide in nature's realm4 ,,capesius3 ,lady1 ,i like thy words1 and ,i would fain ,translate thy form of speech into mine own4 ,,the ,,other ,,maria3 ,most strange doth seem to me your proud discourse4 ,for1 when ye speak yourselves1 unto mine ear ,your words do sound incomprehensible4 ,but if ,i let them echo in my heart ,and issue in new form1 they spread abroad ,o'er all that lives in mine environment ,and solve for me its hidden mystery4 ,,capesius3 ,if this1 thy speech1 be true1 then change for us ,into thy speech1 that nature may respond1 ,the question of the true worth of our lives4 ,for we ourselves lack power to question thus ,great mother nature that we may be heard4 ,,the ,,other ,,maria3 ,in me ye only see an humble maid ,of that high spirit-being1 which doth dwell ,in that domain whence ye have just now come4 ,there hath been given me this field of work ,that here in lowliness ,i may show forth ,her mirrored image unto mortal sense4 ,,capesius3 ,so then we have just fled from that domain ,wherein our longing could have been assuaged8 ,,the ,,other ,,maria3 ,and if ye do not find again the way1 ,your efforts shall be fruitless evermore4 ,,capesius3 ,then tell which way will lead us back again4 ,,the ,,other ,,maria3 ,there are two ways4 ,if my power doth attain ,to its full height all creatures of my realm ,shall glow in beauty's most resplendent dress4 ,from rocks and water1 glittering light shall stream1 ,and colours in their richest fulness flash ,on all around1 whilst life in merry mood ,shall fill the air with joyous harmony4 ,and if your souls do then but steep themselves ,in mine own being's purest ecstasy ,on spirit pinions shall ye wing your way ,unto primeval origins of worlds4 ,,strader3 ,that is no way for us2 for in our speech ,we name such talk mere fancy1 and we fain ,would seek firm ground1 not fly to cloud-capped heights4 ,,the ,,other ,,maria3 ,then if ye wish to tread the other path ,ye must forthwith renounce your spirit's pride4 ,ye must forget what reason doth command1 ,and let the touch of nature conquer you4 ,in your men's breasts let your child-soul have sway1 ,artless and undisturbed by thought's dim shades4 ,so will ye surely reach ,life's fountain-head1 ,although unconscious of the way ye go4 7,exit47 ,,capesius3 ,thus are we thrown back on ourselves alone1 ,and have but learned that it behoveth us ,to work and wait in patience for the fruit ,that future days shall ripen from our work4 ,,johannes 7speaking1 as it were1 from his meditation4 ,here and in the following scene he sits aside and takes no part in the action73 ,so do ,i find within the soul's domain ,those men who are already known to me3 ,first he who told us of ,felicia's tales1 ,though here ,i saw him in his youthful prime2 ,and also he who in his younger days ,had chosen for his life monastic rule1 ,as some old man did he appear3 with them ,there stood the ,spirit of the ,elements4 ,curtain ,,scene #e ,a subterranean rock-temple3 a hidden site of the ,mysteries of the ,hierophants4 ,at the right of the stage1 ,johannes is seen in deep meditation4 ,,benedictus 7in the ,east73 ,ye1 who have been companions unto me ,in the domain of everlasting life1 ,here in your midst ,i stand today to ask ,the help of which ,i stand in need from you ,to weave the thread of destiny for one1 ,who from our midst must now receive the light4 ,through bitter trials and sorrows hath he passed1 ,and hath in deepest agony of soul ,prepared the way to consecrate his life ,and thus attain to knowledge of the truth4 ,accomplished now the task assigned to me1 ,as spirit-messenger1 to bring to men ,the treasured wisdom of this temple's shrine4 ,and now1 ye brethren1 'tis your sacred task ,to bring my work to full accomplishment4 ,i showed to him the light that proved the guide ,to his first vision of the spirit-world1 ,but that this vision may be turned to truth ,your work must needs be added unto mine4 ,my words proceed from mine own mouth alone1 ,but through your lips world-spirits do sound forth4 ,,theodosius 7in the ,south73 ,thus speaks the power of love1 which bindeth worlds ,and filleth beings with the breath of life3-- ,let warmth flow in his heart that he may grasp ,how by the sacrificing of that vain ,illusion of his personality ,he doth draw near the spirit of the world4 ,his sight from sleep of sense thou hast set free2 ,love's warmth will wake the spirit in his soul3 ,his ,self from carnal covering thou hast drawn2 ,and love itself will crystallize his soul ,that it may be a mirror to reflect ,all that doth happen in the spirit-world4 ,love too will give him strength to feel himself ,a spirit1 and will fashion thus his ear ,that it can hear and know the spirit-speech4 ,,romanus 7in the ,west73 ,nor are my words the revelation true ,of mine own self4 ,through me the world-will speaks4 ,and since thou hast thus raised unto the power ,to live in spirit-realms the man to thee ,entrusted1 now this power shall lead him forth ,beyond the bounds of space and ends of time4 ,to those realms shall he pass wherein do work ,creative spirits1 who shall there reveal ,themselves to him2 demanding from him deeds2 ,and willingly will he perform their work4 ,the purposes of ,him who moulds the worlds ,shall fill his soul with life2 there too the earth's ,primeval sources shall enspirit him2 ,world potencies shall there empower him2 ,the mights of spheres shall there enlighten him1 ,and rulers of the worlds fill him with fire4 ,,retardus 7in the ,north73 ,from the foundation of the world ye have ,been forced to suffer me within your midst4 ,so must ye also to my words give ear ,in your deliberations here today4 ,some little time must surely yet elapse ,before ye can fulfil and bring to pass ,what ye have set forth in such beauteous words4 ,no sign as yet hath come to us from earth ,that she doth long for new initiates4 ,so long as this spot1 where we council hold1 ,hath not been trodden by the feet of those ,who1 uninitiate still1 cannot set free ,their spirit from realities of sense1 ,so long the task is mine to check your zeal4 ,first must they bring us message that the earth ,doth seem in need of revelations new4 ,for this cause hold ,i back your spirit-light ,within this temple1 lest it may bring harm ,instead of health to souls that are not ripe4 ,out of myself ,i give to man on earth ,that faculty which lets the truths of sense ,appear to him the highest1 just so long ,as spirit wisdom would but blind his eyes4 ,nay more1 e'en such belief may also lead ,him nearer to the spirit1 for the aims ,formed by his will may yet be guided right ,through his blind tastes and gropings in the dark4 ,,romanus3 ,from the foundation of the world we have ,been forced to suffer thee within our midst4 ,but now at length the time hath run its course ,that was allotted to such work as thine4 ,the world-will in me feels that they approach-- 7,felix ,balde appears in his earthly shape3 the ,other ,maria as a soul-form from out of the rock47 --,who1 uninitiated1 can release ,the spirit from the outward show of sense4 ,no more 'tis granted thee to check our steps4 ,they near our temple of their own free will ,and bring to thee this message1 that they wish ,to help our spirit labours1 joined with us4 ,they found themselves till now not yet prepared ,for union1 since they clung to that belief ,that seership's power with reason needs must part4 ,now have they learned whither mankind is led ,by reason1 which1 when severed from true sight1 ,doth err and wander in the depths of worlds4 ,they now will speak to thee of fruits which needs ,must ripen through thy power in human souls4 ,,retardus3 ,ye1 who unconsciously have forwarded ,my work till now1 ye shall still further help-- ,if ye will distant keep from all that doth ,belong unto my realm and that alone4 ,then shall ye surely find a place reserved ,for you to work as hitherto ye worked4 ,,felix ,,balde3 ,a power1 which speaks from very depths of earth ,unto my spirit1 hath commanded me ,to come unto this consecrated place2 ,since it desires to speak to you through me ,of all its bitter sorrow and its need4 ,,benedictus3 ,my friend1 then tell us now how thou hast learned ,the woe of world-depths in thine own soul's core4 ,,felix ,,balde3 ,the light that shines in men as learning's fruit ,must needs give nourishment to all the powers ,which serve world-cycles in the earth's dark depths4 ,already now a long time have they starved ,well-nigh entirely reft of sustenance4 ,for that which grows today in human brains ,doth only serve the surface of the earth1 ,and doth not penetrate unto its depths4 ,some strange new superstition now doth haunt ,these clever human heads3 they turn their gaze ,unto primeval origins of earth ,and will but spectres see in spirit spheres1 ,thought out by vain illusion of the sense4 ,a merchant surely would consider mad ,a purchaser1 who would speak thus to him3 ',the mists and fog1 that hover in the vale1 ,can certainly condense to solid gold2 ,and with such gold thou shalt be paid thy debt4' ,the merchant will not willingly await ,to have his ducats made from fog and mist2 ,and yet whene'er his soul doth thirst to find ,solution of the riddles set by life1 ,should science offer him such payments then ,for spirit needs and debts1 right willingly ,will he accept whole solar systems built ,out of primeval world-containing fog4 ,the teacher who discovers some unknown ,and luckless layman1 who hath raised himself ,to heights of science or of scholarship ,without examinations duly passed ,will surely threaten him with his contempt4 ,yet science doth not doubt that without proof ,and without spirit earth's primeval beasts ,could change themselves to men by their own power4 ,,theodosius3 ,why dost thou not thyself reveal to men ,the sources of this light of thine1 which streams ,forth from thy soul with such resplendent ray8 ,,felix ,,balde3 ,a fancy-monger and a man of dreams ,they call me1 who are well-disposed to me3 ,but others think of me as some dull fool ,who1 all untaught of them1 doth follow out ,his own peculiar bent of foolishness4 ,,retardus3 ,thou show'st already how untaught thou art ,by the simplicity of this thy speech3 ,thou dost not know that men of science have ,sufficient shrewdness to make just the same ,objection to themselves as unto thee4 ,and if they make it not they know well why4 ,,felix ,,balde3 ,i know full well that they are shrewd enough ,to understand objections they have made1 ,but not so shrewd as to believe in them4 ,,theodosius3 ,what must we do that we may forthwith give ,the powers of earth what they do need so much8 ,,felix ,,balde3 ,so long as on the earth men only heed ,such men as these1 who wish not to recall ,their spirit's primal source1 so long will starve ,the mineral forces buried in earth's depths4 ,,the ,,other ,,maria3 ,i gather1 brother ,felix1 from thy words1 ,that thou dost think the time hath now expired ,when we did serve earth's purposes the best ,through wisdom's light1 ourselves unconsecrate-- ,when we showed forth from roots in our own life ,the living way of spirit and of love4 ,in thee the spirits of the earth arose ,to give thee light without the lore of books3 ,in me did love hold sway1 the love that dwells ,and works within the life of men on earth4 ,and now we wish to join our brethren here1-- ,who1 consecrate1 within this temple serve1-- ,and bring forth fruitful work in human souls4 ,,benedictus3 ,if ye unite your labour now with us1 ,then must the consecrated work succeed4 ,the wisdom which ,i gave unto my son ,will surely blossom forth in him as power4 ,,theodosius3 ,if ye unite your labour now with us1 ,then must the thirst for sacrifice arise4 ,and through the soul life of whoever seeks ,the spirit-path1 will breathe the warmth of love4 ,,romanus3 ,if ye unite your labour now with us1 ,then must the fruits of spirit ripen fast4 ,deeds will spring up1 which through the spirit's work ,will blossom from your soul's discipleship4 ,,retardus3 ,if they unite their labour now with you ,what shall become of me8 ,my deeds will prove ,fruitless to those who would the spirit seek4 ,,benedictus3 ,then wilt thou change into thine other self3 ,since now thou hast accomplished all thy work4 ,,theodosius3 ,henceforth thou wilt live on in sacrifice ,if thou dost freely sacrifice thyself4 ,,romanus3 ,thou wilt bear fruit on earth in human deeds ,if ,i myself may tend the fruits for thee4 ,,johannes 7speaking out of his meditation1 as in the previous scene73 ,the brethren in the temple showed themselves ,to my soul-sight1 resembling in their form ,men whose appearance ,i already know4 ,yet ,benedictus seemed a spirit too4 ,he who stood on his left seemed like that man ,who through the feelings only would draw nigh ,the spirit-realms4 ,the third resembled him1 ,who doth but recognize the powers of life ,when they show forth through wheels and outward works4 ,the fourth ,i do not know4 ,the wife who saw ,the spirit's light after her husband's death1 ,i recognized in her own inmost being4 ,and ,felix ,balde came just as in life4 ,the curtain falls slowly4 ,,scene #f ,scene the same as the ,fourth4 7,the ,spirit of the ,elements stands in the same place47 ,,felicia3 ,thou calledst me4 ,what wouldst thou hear of me8 ,,spirit3 ,two men did ,i present unto the earth ,whose spirit-powers were fructified through thee4 ,they found their soul's awakening in thy words ,when meditation dry had lamed them both4 ,thy gifts to them make thee my debtor too4 ,their spirit doth not of itself suffice ,to render full repayment unto me ,for all the service which ,i did for them4 ,,felicia3 ,for many years one of these men did come ,to our small cottage1 that he might obtain ,the strength that lent unto his words their fire4 ,later he brought the other with him too2 ,and so they two consumed the fruits1 whose worth ,was then unknown to me3 but little good ,did ,i receive from them as recompense4 ,their kind of knowledge to our son they gave1 ,with good intent indeed1 but yet the child ,found nought therein but death unto his soul4 ,he grew to manhood steeped in all the light1 ,his father ,felix1 through the spirit-speech1 ,taught him from fountains and from rocks and hills3 ,to this was joined all that had lived and grown ,in my own soul from my first childhood's years2 ,and yet our son's clear spirit-sense was killed ,by the deep gloom of sombre sciences4 ,instead of some blithe happy child1 there grew ,a man of desert soul and empty heart4 ,and now forsooth thou dost demand of me ,that ,i should pay what they do owe to thee6 ,,spirit3 ,it must be so1 for thou at first didst serve ,the earthly part in them2 and so through me ,the spirit bids thee now complete the work4 ,,felicia3 ',tis not my wont to shrink from any debt2 ,but tell me first what detriment will grow ,in mine own self from this love-service done8 ,,spirit3 ,what thou at first didst do for them on earth1 ,robbed of his spirit-powers thine only son2 ,and what thou givest to their spirits now ,is lost henceforth to thee from thine own self2 ,which lessening of the powers of life in thee ,will show as ugliness in thine own flesh4 ,,felicia3 ,they robbed my child of all his spirit-power1 ,and in return ,i needs must wander forth ,a monster in the sight of men1 that fruits ,may ripen for them1 which work little good6 ,,spirit3 ,yet thy work aids the welfare of mankind ,and leads as well to thine own happiness4 ,thy mother's beauty and thy child's own life ,will blossom for thee in a loftier way1 ,when one day in the souls and hearts of men1 ,new spirit-powers shall seed and fructify4 ,,felicia3 ,what must ,i do8 ,,spirit3 ,mankind thou hast inspired ,full often with thy words4 ,inspire then now ,the spirits of the rocks3 in this same hour ,thou must bring forth from out thy treasured store ,of fairy pictures some one tale to give ,those beings who do serve me in my work4 ,,felicia3 ,so be it then3--,a being once did live ,who flew from ,east to ,west1 as runs the sun4 ,he flew o'er lands and seas1 and from this height ,he looked upon the doings of mankind4 ,he saw how men did one another love1 ,and1 how in hatred they did persecute4 ,yet naught could stay this being in his flight1 ,for love and hatred none the less bring forth ,full many thousand times the same results4 ,yet o'er one house--there must the being stay2 ,for therein dwelt a tired and weary man1 ,who pondered on the love of humankind1 ,and pondered also over human hate4 ,his contemplations had already graved ,deep furrows on his brow2 his hair was white4 ,and1 grieving o'er this man1 the being lost ,his sun-guide's leadership1 and stayed with him ,within his room e'en when the sun went down4 ,and when the sun arose again1 once more ,the being joined the spirit of the sun2 ,and once again he saw mankind pass through ,the cycle of the earth in love and hate4 ,but when he came1 still following the sun1 ,a second time above that selfsame house1 ,his gaze did fall upon a man quite dead4 7,germanus1 invisible behind the rock1 speaks4 ,as he speaks1 he gradually drags his unwieldy size on to the stage2 his feet like clogs are almost earth-bound47 ,,germanus3 ,a man once lived1 who went from ,east to ,west3 ,whose eager thirst for knowledge lured him on ,o'er land and sea2 and with his wisdom's sight ,he looked upon the doings of mankind4 ,he saw how men did one another love1 ,and1 how in hatred they did persecute2 ,and at each turn of life the man did note ,how blind was wisdom's eye to probe its depths4 ,for1 though the world is ruled by love and hate1 ,yet could he not combine them into law4 ,a thousand single cases wrote he down ,yet still he lacked the comprehending eye4 ,this dull1 dry seeker after truth once met ,upon his path a being formed of light2 ,who found existence fraught with heaviness ,since it must live in constant combat with ,a darksome being formed of shadows black4 ',who art thou then8' the dry truth-seeker asked4 ',love1' said the one2 the other answered1 ',hate4' ,but these two beings' words fell on deaf ears2 ,the man heard not1 but wandered blindly on ,in his dry search for truth from ,east to ,west4 ,,felicia3 ,and who art thou1 who thus against my wish ,dost parody my words in his own way ,until they sound a very mockery8 ,,germanus3 ,only a dwarf-like image of me lives ,in man1 and therein many things are thought1 ,that are but mockery of their own selves4 ,when ,i do show them in the actual size1 ,in which they do appear within my brain4 ,,felicia3 ,and therefore dost thou also mock at me8 ,,germanus3 ,i must right often ply this trade of mine2 ,yet mostly men do hear me not1 so now ,i seized for once this opportunity ,to speak as well where men can hear my words4 ,,johannes 7out of his meditation73 ,this was the man1 who of himself did say ,that spirit-light grew of its own accord ,within his brain2 and ,dame ,felicia came1 ,just like her husband1 as she is in life4 ,curtain ,,scene #g ,the domain of spirit3 a scene of various coloured crystal rocks and a few trees4 ,maria1 ,philia1 ,astrid1 ,luna2 the child2 ,johannes1 first at a distance1 then coming nearer2 ,theodora2 lastly ,benedictus4 ,,maria3 ,ye sisters1 who so often proved of old ,my helpers1 help me also in this hour2 ,that ,i may cause to vibrate in itself ,the ether of the worlds4 ,let it resound ,in harmony1 and thus resounding reach ,and permeate a soul with knowledge true4 ,signs can ,i see which guide us to our work2 ,for your work must unite itself with mine4 ,johannes1 he who strives1 by our designs ,to real existence shall be lifted up4 ,the brethren in the temple counsel took ,how they should guide him to the heights of light ,out of the depths1 and they expect of us ,to fill his soul with power for such high flight4 ,thou shalt absorb for me1 my ,philia1 ,the light's clear essence from the breadths of space2 ,and fill thyself with all the charm of sound1 ,which wells from out the soul's creative power2 ,that thou mayst then impart to me the gifts ,which thou dost gather from the spirit's depths4 ,then can ,i weave their perfect harmonies ,in the soul-stirring rhythmic dance of spheres4 ,thou1 ,astrid1 too1 loved mirror of my soul1 ,thou shalt produce within the flowing light1 ,the power of shade that colours may shine forth2 ,thou shalt give shape to formless harmonies1 ,that as world-substance weaveth to and fro ,it may sound forth upon its living way4 ,so am ,i able to entrust to man1 ,when he doth seek1 a spirit-consciousness4 ,and thou1 strong ,luna1 firm in thine own self1 ,e'en like the living marrow1 which doth grow ,within the centre of the tree1 do thou ,unite unto thy sisters' gifts thine own2 ,impress thereon thy personality1 ,that he who seeks may wisdom's surety find4 ,,philia3 ,with clearest essence of the light will ,i ,from world-wide breadths of space myself imbue2 ,from distant ether-bounds will ,i breathe deep ,living sound-substance that such things may cause ,thy work1 beloved sister1 to succeed4 ,,astrid3 ,i will weave through the beaming web of light ,subduing darkness1 and ,i will condense ,the living sounds1 that1 sounding1 they may glow1 ,and glowing1 sound2 that thou mayst thus direct1 ,beloved sister1 soul-life's radiant beam4 ,,luna3 ,soul-substance will ,i warm2 and will make hard ,the living ether2 that they may condense1 ,and feel themselves as living entities ,with active power to fashion their own life2 ,that thou1 beloved sister1 mayst create ,true wisdom's surety in man's seeking soul4 ,,maria3 ,from ,philia's realm shall stream forth conscious joy2 ,and water nymphs with their transforming power ,shall then unfold receptiveness of soul2 ,that the awakened one may undergo ,and live the mirth and sorrow of the world4 ,from ,astrid's web shall grow the joy of love2 ,and sylphs1 that live in air1 shall then incite ,the soul's desire to willing sacrifice2 ,that thus the consecrated one may give ,new life to sorrow-laden souls of men1 ,and comfort those who crave for happiness4 ,from ,luna's power shall stream forth solid strength2 ,and salamanders with their fiery breath ,shall then create security of soul2 ,that he who knows may find himself again ,in weaving soul-streams and the life of worlds4 ,,philia3 ,i shall implore the spirits of the world ,that their own being's light may so enchant ,the senses of the soul2 and their words' sound ,so fill with happiness the spirit ears2 ,that he1 whose wakening nears1 may thus ascend ,the path of souls unto celestial heights4 ,,astrid3 ,the streams of love1 which warm the worlds1 will ,i ,direct unto his consecrated heart2 ,that he may bring into his work on earth ,the grace of heaven1 and create desire ,for consecration in the hearts of men4 ,,luna3 ,from earth's primeval powers will ,i implore ,courage and strength1 that may lay them deep ,within the seeker's heart2 that confidence ,in his own ,self may guide him through his life4 ,then shall he feel secure in his own soul ,and pluck each moment's ripened fruit1 and draw ,the seeds therefrom to found eternities4 ,,maria3 ,with you1 my sisters1 joined in noble work ,i shall succeed in what ,i long to do4 ,but hark6 ,there rises to our world of light ,the cry of him who hath been sorely tried4 7,johannes appears47 ,,johannes3 ',tis thou1 ,maria6 ,then my suffering ,hath at the last born richest fruit for me4 ,it hath withdrawn me from the phantom shape ,which ,i at first did make out of myself1 ,and which then held me fast1 a prisoner4 ,pain do ,i thank for thus enabling me ,to reach thee o'er the pathways of the soul4 ,,maria3 ,and what then was the path that led thee here8 ,,johannes3 ,i felt myself from bonds of sense released3 ,my sight was freed from that close barrier1 ,which hid all but the present from mine eyes4 ,quite otherwise ,i viewed the life of one ,i knew on earth1 and looked beyond the space ,bound by the present moment's narrow ring4 ,capesius1 who in his older years ,hath but employed the sight of sense--this man ,the spirit placed before my soul a youth1 ,as first he entered on life's thorny path ,full of those dreams of hope1 which ofttimes brought ,a group of faithful hearers to his feet4 ,and ,strader1 also could ,i see e'en thus ,as he appeared in earthly life when young1 ,e'er he had full outgrown his cloistered youth3 ,and ,i could see what he might once have been1 ,if he had followed out in that same way ,the goal he set before himself of old4 ,and only those who in their earthly life ,are filled already with the spirit's power ,appear unchanged within the spirit-realms4 ,both ,dame ,felicia and good ,felix too ,had kept the forms in which they lived on earth1 ,when ,i beheld them with my spirit's sight4 ,and then my guides showed kindness unto me1 ,and spake of gifts which shall one day be mine ,when ,i can reach to wisdom's lofty heights4 ,and many things besides have ,i beheld ,with spirit-organs which sense-sight at first ,had shown to me in its own narrow way4 ,for judgment's all-illuminating light ,irradiated this new world of mine4 ,but whether ,i lived in some shadowy dream1 ,or whether spirit-truth surrounded me ,already1 ,i could not as yet decide4 ,whether my spirit-sight was really stirred ,by other things1 or whether mine own self ,expanded into some world of its own1 ,i knew not4 ,then didst thou appear thyself2 ,not as thou seemest at the present time1 ,nor as the past beheld thee2 nay--,i saw ,thee as thou art in spirit evermore4 ,not human was thy nature3 in thy soul ,clear could ,i recognize the spirit-light1 ,which worked not as man clothed in flesh doth work4 ,as spirit did it act1 that strives to do ,such work as in eternity hath root4 ,and only now1 when ,i dare stand complete ,in spirit nigh thee1 doth the full light glow4 ,in thee my sight of sense already grasped ,reality so fast1 that certainty ,doth meet me even here in spirit-realms2 ,and well ,i know that now before me stands ,no phantom shape4 ',tis thy true character ,in which ,i met thee yonder1 and in which ',tis now permitted me to meet thee here4 ,,theodora3 ,i feel compelled to speak4 ,a glow of light ,from out thy brow1 ,maria1 upward mounts4 ,this glow takes shape1 and grows to human form4 ,it is a man with spirit deep imbued1 ,and other men do gather round his feet4 ,i gaze into dim times1 long passed away ,on that good man who rose from out thy head3 ,his eyes do shine with perfect peace of soul2 ,and deep true feeling glows in every line ,and feature of his noble countenance4 ,a woman facing him mine eye doth see1 ,who listens with devotion to the words ,proceeding from his mouth2 which words ,i hear1 ,and thus they sound3 ',ye have unto your gods ,looked up with awed devotion until now4 ,these gods ,i love1 as ye love them yourselves4 ,they did present unto your thought its power1 ,and planted courage in your heart2 but yet ,their gifts spring from a higher spirit still4' ,i see how rage doth spread amongst the throng ,at this man's words4 ,i hear their mad wild cries3 ',kill him2 for he desires to take from us ,the gifts the gods have given to our race4' ,but unconcernedly the man speaks on4 ,he tells now of that ,god in human form1 ,who did descend to earth and conquer death4 ,he tells of ,christ2 and as his words flow on ,the souls around grow calm and pacified4 ,one only of the heathen hearts resists1 ,and swears it will wreak vengeance on the man4 ,i recognize this heart2 it beats again ,in yonder child1 that nestles at thy side4 ,the messenger of ,christ speaks to it thus3 ',thy fate doth not permit thee to draw nigh ,in this life2 but ,i shall wait patiently1 ,for thy path leads thee to me in the end4' ,the woman who doth stand before the man ,falls at his feet and feels herself transformed4 ,a soul prays to the ,god in human form2 ,a heart doth love ,god's messenger on earth4 7,johannes sinks upon his knees before ,maria47 ,,maria3 ,johannes1 that which dawneth in thy mind ,thou shalt awaken to full consciousness4 ,e'en now within thee hath thy memory ,wrenched itself free from fetterings of sense4 ,thou hast found me1 and thou hast felt myself1 ,as we were joined in former life on earth4 ,thou wast the woman whom the seeress saw1 ,for so didst thou lie prostrate at my feet1 ,when ,i as messenger of ,christ did come ,unto thy tribe in days long since gone by4 ,what in ,hibernia's consecrated shrines ,was then entrusted to me by that ,god1 ,who dwelt in human form1 and did become ,a conqueror o'er all the powers of death1 ,i had to bring to tribes1 in whom still lived ,a soul that brought a willing sacrifice1 ,to mighty ,odin1 and with sorrow thought ,upon the death of ,balder1 god of light4 ,the power1 which from that message grew in thee1 ,attracted thee to me from the first day ,thine eyes of sense beheld me in this life4 ,and since it strove so mightily in us1 ,and yet remained unrecognized by both1 ,it wove into our life those sufferings1 ,which we o'ercame4 ,yet in that pain itself ,there lay the power to guide us on our way ,to spirit-realms1 where we might recognize ,and know in very truth each other's soul4 ,intolerably did thy pain increase ,through all the men who thronged thee round about1 ,with whom by fate's decree thou art conjoined4 ,hence was the revelation of their selves ,able so fiercely to convulse thine heart4 ,these men hath ,karma gathered round thee now1 ,to wake in thee the power that once did urge ,thee on the path of life1 which selfsame power ,hath thus far roused thee1 that1 from body freed1 ,thou couldst ascend into the spirit-world4 ,thou standest nearest to my soul1 since thou ,hast kept through pain thy steadfast faith in me4 ,and therefore hath it fallen to my lot ,that consecration to complete in thee1 ,to which thou owest this thy spirit-light4 ,the brethren1 who within the temple serve1 ,have wakened sight in thee2 yet canst thou know ,that what thou seest is very truth indeed1 ,only when thou dost find in spirit-realms ,a being1 unto whom in worlds of sense ,thou wast united in thine inmost soul4 ,and that this being might thus meet thee here1 ,before thee did the brethren send me out4 ,and this did prove the hardest of thy tests1 ,when ,i was summoned here to wait for thee4 ,our leader1 ,benedictus1 did ,i ask ,to solve for me the riddle of my life1 ,that seemed to be so cruel and unkind2 ,and blessedness streamed from his every word1 ,telling of his own mission and of mine4 ,he told me of the spirit ,i must serve ,with all the power which ,i have found in me4 ,and at his words it seemed to me as though1 ,all in a moment clearest spirit-light ,streamed through and through my soul1 and suffering ,was changed to joyous blessedness2 one thought ,alone then filled my soul2--he gave me light1 ,yea1 light1 that gave to me the power of sight2-- ,it was the will that lived within the thought ,wholly to give myself to spirit-life1 ,to make me ready for the sacrifice ,which would unto our leader draw me near4 ,this thought did generate the highest power3 ,it gave wings to my soul and wafted me ,into that realm where thou hast found me now4 ,in that same moment when ,i felt released ,from my sense body1 ,i was free to turn ,my spirit's eye upon thee1 and ,i saw ,not only thee1 ,johannes1 standing there2 ,i saw the woman too1 that followed me ,in ancient times2 and had bound close to mine ,her destiny4 ,e'en thus was spirit-truth ,revealed to me in spirit-realms through thee1 ,who in the world of sense already wast ,made one with me in inmost consciousness4 ,so did ,i gain this spirit-certainty ,and was endowed to give it unto thee4 ,sending a ray of highest1 tenderest love ,to ,benedictus1 ,i went on before2 ,and he hath given unto thee the power ,to follow me into the spirit-spheres4 7,benedictus appears47 ,,benedictus3 ,ye here have found yourselves in spirit-realms ,and so it is permitted unto me ,to stand once more beside you in these realms4 ,i could confer the power that urged you here1 ,but ,i could not conduct you here myself4 ,thus read the law1 which ,i must needs obey3-- ,ye must through your own selves first gain the eye ,of spirit1 which doth here make visible ,my spirit to you4 ,ye have just begun ,e'en now the path of spirit-pilgrimage4 ,henceforth indeed upon the plane of sense ,endowed with novel powers shall ye both stand1 ,and with the spirit in your hearts unsealed ,the cause of human progress shall ye serve1 ,for ,fate itself hath so united you1 ,that ye together may unfold the powers ,which needs must serve divine creative work4 ,and as ye journey on the path of souls ,wisdom herself will teach you that the heights ,may only be obtained by souls of men1 ,who have gained spirit-certainty1 when they ,unite in faith to do salvation's work4 ,my spirit-guidance hath united you ,to realize each other3 now do ye ,unite yourselves to do the spirit's work4 ,may powers that dwell within this realm confer ,on you through these my lips this ,word of strength3-- ',the weaving essence of the light streams forth ,from man to man to fill all worlds with truth4 ,the grace of love spreads warmth from soul to soul ,to work out bliss eternal for all worlds4 ,and spirit-messengers come forth to wed ,man's works of love and grace to cosmic aims4 ,and when a man who dwells amongst mankind ,can wed these twain1 there doth stream forth on earth ,true spirit-light from his warm loving soul4' ,curtain ,,interlude ,scene3 same as in the ,prelude4 ,the day after the play to which ,estella1 in the ,prelude1 invited her friend to accompany her4 ,,sophia3 ,forgive me1 dear ,estelle1 for keeping you waiting4 ,i had to attend to something for the children4 ,,estella3 ,here ,i am back again with you already4 ,i long for your sympathy1 whenever anything stirs me deeply4 ,,sophia3 ,well1 you know that ,i shall always sympathize most warmly with you in your interests4 ,,estella3 ,this play1 of which ,i spoke to you1 ,outcasts from ,body and from ,soul touched me so deeply4 ,does it seem to you odd when ,i say that there were moments when all ,i had ever known of human sorrow stood before me8 ,with highest artistic force the work not only gives the outer mischances1 met with by so many people1 but also points out with wonderful penetration the deepest agonies of the soul4 ,,sophia3 ,one cannot1 ,i fear1 form a proper conception of a work of art by simply hearing of its contents4 ,but ,i would like you to tell me what stirred you so4 ,,estella3 ,the construction of the play was admirable4 ,the artist wished to show how a young painter loses all his creative desire1 because he begins to doubt his love for a woman4 ,she had endowed him with the power to develop his promising talents4 ,pure enthusiasm for his art had produced in her the most beautiful love of sacrifice4 ,to her he owed the fullest development of his abilities in his chosen field4 ,he blossomed1 as it were1 in the sunshine of his benefactress4 ,constant association with this woman developed his gratitude into passionate love4 ,this caused him to neglect1 more and more1 a poor creature who was faithfully devoted to him1 and who finally died of grief1 because she had to confess to herself that she had lost the heart of the man she loved4 ,when he heard of her death1 the news did not seriously disturb him1 for his heart belonged entirely to his benefactress4 ,yet he grew ever more and more certain that her noble feeling of friendship for him would never turn to passionate love4 ,this conviction drove all creative joy from his soul1 and his inner life grew constantly more desolate4 ,in this condition of life the poor girl1 whom he had forsaken1 came again into his mind1 and a wrecked life was all that resulted from a hopeful and promising man4 ,without prospect of a single ray of light he pined away4 ,all this is portrayed with intense dramatic vividness4 ,,sophia3 ,i can easily see how the play must have worked upon your feelings4 ,as a girl you always suffered intensely at the destiny of such people1 who had been driven to bitterness by heavy misfortunes in their life4 ,,estella3 ,my dear ,sophy2 you misunderstand me4 ,i can easily distinguish between what is real and what is merely artistic4 ,and criticism fails1 ,i know1 if one carries into it the feelings one had in life4 ,what stirred me here so deeply was the really perfect representation of a deep problem of life4 ,i was once again able to realize clearly how art can only mount to such heights1 when it keeps close to the fulness of life4 ,as soon as it departs therefrom1 its works are untrue4 ,,sophia3 ,i understand you perfectly when you speak like that4 ,i have always admired the artists who could represent what you call the reality of life4 ,and ,i believe a great many have that power1--especially nowadays4 ,nevertheless even the very highest attainments leave behind them in my soul a certain discomfort4 ,for a long time ,i was unable to explain this to myself1 but one day the light came that brought the answer4 ,,estella3 ,you mean to tell me1 that your conception of the world has dispelled your appreciation of so-called realistic art8 ,,sophia3 ,dear ,estelle1 let us not speak of my conception of the world today4 ,you know quite well1 that the emotion you have just described was entirely familiar to me long before ,i knew anything at all about what you call my 'conception of the world4' ,and these feelings are not only aroused in me with reference to so-called realistic art3 but other things also create a similar feeling in me4 ,it grows especially marked when ,i become aware of what ,i might call1 in a higher sense1 the want of truth in certain works of art4 ,,estella3 ,there ,i really cannot follow you4 ,,sophia3 ,a vivid grasp of real truth must needs create in the heart a sense of a certain poverty in works of art4 ,for of course the greatest artist is always a novice compared with nature in her perfection4 ,the most accomplished artist fails to give me what ,i can get from the revelation of a landscape or a human countenance4 ,,estella3 ,but that is in the nature of the case and cannot be altered4 ,,sophia3 ,but it could be altered1 if men would only become clear on one point4 ,they could say that it is irrational for the soul to reproduce what higher powers have already set before us as the highest form of art4 ,yet these same powers have implanted in man a desire to continue to work upon creation in a certain sense1 in order to give to the world what these powers have not yet placed before the senses4 ,in all that man can create1 the original powers of creation have left nature incomplete4 ,why should he reproduce her imperfections in an imperfect form1 when he has the ability to change that imperfection into perfection8 ,if you think of this assertion as changed into an elemental feeling you will understand why ,i feel a sense of distress towards much that you call art4 ,this perception of an imperfect reproduction of some obvious truth must needs produce distress4 ,on the other hand1 the least perfect representation of what is concealed behind the outwardly observed phenomenon may prove a revelation4 ,,estella3 ,you are really talking of something that nowhere exists4 ,no true artist really tries to give a bare reproduction of nature4 ,,sophia3 ,that is just why so many works of art are imperfect2 for the creative function leads of itself beyond nature1 and the artist cannot know the appearance of what is outside his senses4 ,,estella3 ,i see no possibility of our coming to any understanding with one another on this point4 ,it is indeed sad that1 in these most important problems of the soul1 my best friend follows views so different from my own4 ,i hope our friendship may yet fall on better days4 ,,sophia3 ,on such a point we shall surely be able to accept whatever life may bring us4 ,,estella3 ,au revoir1 dear ,sophy4 ,,sophia3 ,good-bye1 dear ,estelle4 ,curtain ,,scene #h ,same room as for ,scene #a4 ,johannes at an easel1 before which ,capesius1 ,maria1 and ,strader are also seated4 ,,johannes3 ,i think those are the final touches now1 ,and feel that ,i may call my work complete4 ,especial pleasure hath it given me ,thy nature to interpret through mine art4 ,,capesius3 ,this picture is a marvel unto me ,and its creator a still greater one4 ,for naught1 which men like me have up till now ,considered possible1 can be compared ,with this change that hath taken place in thee4 ,one only can believe1 when actual sight ,compels belief4 ,we met three years ago2 ,and ,i was then allowed to count myself ,a member of that small community1 ,in which thou didst attain thine excellence4 ,a man of sad demeanour wast thou then1 ,witness each glance and aspect of thy face4 ,once did ,i hear a lecture in thy group1 ,and at the end felt urged to add thereto ,words that were wrenched with pain from out my soul4 ,i spake in such a mood wherein one doth ,think almost always of oneself alone2 ,and none the less my gaze did ever rest ,upon that painter1 whelmed 'neath sorrow's load1 ,who sat and kept still silence1 far apart4 ,silent he pondered in a fashion strange1 ,and one might well believe that he heard not ,a single word of all those spoken near4 ,the sorrow unto which he gave himself ,seemed of itself to have a separate life2 ,it seemed as though the man himself heard not1 ,but rather that his very grief had ears3 ,it is perhaps not inappropriate ,to say he was by sorrow quite obsessed4 ,soon after that day did we meet again1 ,and even then there was a change in thee2 ,for happiness did beam forth from thine eyes2 ,within thy nature power did dwell again1 ,and noble fire did ring in all thy words4 ,thou didst express a wish to me that day-- ,which seemed to me most strange and curious-- ,to be my pupil didst thou then desire4 ,and of a truth thou hast throughout these years ,with utmost diligence absorbed thyself ,in all ,i had to say on world events4 ,and1 as we grew more intimate1 ,i then ,did know the riddle of thine artist life1 ,and each new picture proved a fresh surprise4 ,my thought in former days was ill-inclined ,to soar to worlds beyond the life of sense-- ,not that ,i doubted them--but yet it seemed ,presumptuous to draw near with eager mind4 ,but now ,i must admit that them hast changed ,my point of view4 ,i hear thee oft repeat ,that thine artistic skill depends alone ,upon the gift to function consciously ,in other worlds2 and that thou canst implant ,naught in thy work but what thou hast first seen ,in spirit worlds3 indeed thy works do show ,how spirit stands revealed in actual life4 ,,strader3 ,never so little have ,i understood ,thy speech2 for surely in all artists' work ,the living spirit is thus manifest4 ,how therefore doth thy friend1 ,thomasius1 ,differ from other masters in his art8 ,,capesius3 ,ne'er have ,i doubted that the spirit shows ,itself in man1 who none the less remains ,unconscious of its nature4 ,he creates ,through this same spirit1 but perceives it not4 ,thomasius however doth create ,in worlds of sense what he in spirit-realms ,can consciously behold2 and many times ,hath he assured me1 that1 for men like him1 ,no other method of creation serves4 ,,strader3 ,thomasius is a marvel unto me1 ,and freely ,i admit this picture here ,hath first revealed to me in his true self ,capesius1 whom ,i thought ,i knew full well4 ,in thought ,i knew him2 but his work doth show ,how little of him ,i had really known4 ,,maria3 ,how comes it1 doctor1 that thou canst admire ,the greatness of this work so much1 and yet ,canst still deny the greatness of its source8 ,,strader3 ,what hath my wonder at the artist's work ,in common with my faith in spirit-sight8 ,,maria3 ,one can indeed admire a work1 e'en when ,one hath no faith in that which is its source2 ,yet in this case there would be naught to rouse ,our admiration1 had this artist not ,trodden the path that led to spirit-life4 ,,strader3 ,yet still we must not say that whosoe'er ,doth to the spirit wholly give himself ,will consciously be guided by its power4 ,the spirit power creates in artists' souls1 ,e'en as it works within the trees and stones3 ,yet is the tree not conscious of itself4 ,and only he1 who sees it from without1 ,can recognize the spirit's work therein4 ,so too each artist lives within his work ,and not in spiritual experience4 ,but when mine eyes now on this picture fall1 ,i do forget all that allures to thought2 ,the very soul-force of my friend doth gleam ,from out those eyes1 and yet--they are but paint6 ,the seeker's thoughtfulness dwells on that brow2 ,and e'en his noble warmth of words doth stream ,from all the colour-tones with which thy brush ,hath solved the mystery of portraiture4 ,ah1 these same colours1 surely they are flat6 ,and yet they are not2 they seem visible ,only to vanish straightway from my sight4 ,the moulding too doth seem like colour's work2 ,and yet it tells of spirit intertwined ,in every line1 and many things besides1 ,that are not of itself4--,where then is that ,whereof it speaks8 ,not on the canvas there1 ,where only spirit-barren colours lie4 ,is it then in ,capesius himself8 ,but why can ,i perceive it not in him8 ,thomasius1 thou hast so painted here ,that what is painted doth destroy itself1 ,the moment that the eye would fathom it4 ,i cannot grasp whereto it urgeth me4 ,what must ,i grasp from it8 ,what should ,i seek8 ,i fain would pierce this canvas through and through ,to find what ,i must seek within its depths2 ,to find where ,i may grasp all that which streams ,from this same picture into my soul's core4 ,i must attain it4--,oh--deluded fool6 ,it seems as though some ghost were haunting me1 ,a ghost ,i cannot see1 nor have ,i power ,which doth enable me to focus it4 ,thou dost paint ghostly things1 ,thomasius1 ,ensnaring them by magic in your work4 ,they do allure us on to seek for them1 ,and yet they never let themselves be found4 ,oh--how ,i find your pictures horrible6 ,,capesius3 ,my friend1 in this same moment hast thou lost ,the thinker's peace of mind4 ,consider now1 ,if from this picture some ghost speaks to thee ,then ,i myself must surely ghostly be4 ,,strader3 ,forgive me1 friend1 'twas weakness on my part4 ,,capesius3 ,ah1 speak but good1 not evil1 of this hour6 ,for though thou seemed'st to have lost thyself1 ,yet in reality thou wast upraised ,far1 far above thyself2 and thou didst feel1 ,even as ,i myself full oft have felt4 ,at such times1 howsoe'er one feels oneself ,strong-armoured at all points with logic's might1 ,one can but be convinced that one is seized ,by some strange power that can have origin ,not in sense-knowledge or sense-reasoning4 ,who hath endowed this picture with such power8 ,to me it seems the symbol in sense-life ,of soul-experiences gained thereby4 ,it hath taught me to recognize my soul1 ,as never heretofore seemed possible2 ,and most convincing this self-knowledge proved4 ,thomasius did search me through and through3 ,for unto him was given power to pierce ,through sense-appearance unto spirit-self4 ,with his developed sight he penetrates ,to spirit verity2 and thus for me ,those ancient words of wisdom3 ',know thyself1' ,in new light do appear4 ,to know ourselves ,e'en as we are1 we must first find that power ,within ourselves1 which1 as true spirit1 doth ,conceal itself from us in our own selves4 ,,maria3 ,we must1 to find ourselves1 that power unfold ,which can pierce through into our very souls3 ,and truly do these words of wisdom speak-- ,unfold thyself and thou shalt find thyself4 ,,strader3 ,if we admit now1 that ,thomasius ,hath through th' unfolding of his spirit power1 ,attained to knowledge of that entity1 ,that dwells1 invisible1 in each of us1 ,then must we say that on each plane of life ,knowledge doth differ4 ,,capesius3 ,so would ,i maintain4 ,,strader3 ,if matters thus do stand1 then is all thought ,nothing3 all learning but illusory2 ,and every moment ,i must lose myself4444 ,oh1 do leave me alone4444 7,exit47 ,,capesius3 ,i'll go with him4 7,exit47 ,,maria3 ,capesius is nearer far today ,to spirit lore1 than he himself doth think2 ,and ,strader suffers deeply4 ,what his soul ,so hotly craves1 his spirit cannot find4 ,,johannes3 ,the inner nature of these two did stand ,already then before my spirit's eye ,when first ,i dared to tread the realm of souls4 ,as a young man ,i saw ,capesius1 ,and ,strader in the years he hath not reached ,by some long span as yet4 ,capesius ,did show a youthful promise which conceals ,much that this life will not allow to come ,to due fruition in the realms of sense4 ,i was attracted to his inner self3 ,in his soul's essence ,i could first behold ,what is the essential kernel of a man2 ,and how a man's peculiarities ,in earthly life do manifest themselves ,as consequences of some former life4 ,i saw the struggles that he overcame1 ,which in his other lives had origin1 ,and which have shaped his present mode of life4 ,i could not see his death-discarded selves ,with my soul's vision1 yet ,i did perceive ,within his nature that which could not rise ,from his surroundings as they are today4 ,thus in the picture ,i could reproduce1 ,what dwells within the basis of his soul4 ,my brush was guided by the powers1 which he ,unfolded in his former lives on earth4 ,if thus ,i have revealed his inmost self1 ,my picture will have served the aim1 which ,i ,did purpose for it in my thought3 for as ,a work of art ,i do not rate it high4 ,,maria3 ,it will confirm its work within that soul ,which it hath showed the path to spirit-realms4 ,curtain falls whilst ,maria and ,johannes are still in the room ,,scene #i ,same region as in ,scene #b4 ,from rocks and springs resounds3 ',o man1 feel thou thyself4' ,,johannes3 ,o man1 feel thou thyself6 ,for three long years ,i have sought strength of soul1 with courage winged1 ,which doth give truth unto these words1 whereby ,a man may free himself to conquer first2 ,then conquering himself may freedom find ,through these same words3 ',o man1 feel thou thyself4' 7,from rocks and springs resounds3 ',o man1 feel thou thyself4'7 ,i note their presence in mine inmost soul1 ,their whispered breathing thrills my spirit-ear2 ,and hid within themselves they bear the hope1 ,that they will grow and lead man's spirit up1 ,out of his narrow self to world-wide space1 ,e'en as a giant oak mysteriously ,builds his proud body from an acorn small4 ,spirit can cause to live in its own self ,all weaving forms of water and of air1 ,and all that doth make hard the solid earth4 ,man too can grasp whate'er hath ta'en firm hold ,of being1 in the elements1 in souls1 ,in time1 in spirits and eternity4 ,the whole world's essence lies in one soul's core1 ,when such power in the spirit roots itself1 ,which can give truth unto these selfsame words3 ,o man1 experience and feel thyself-- 7,from rocks and springs resounds3 ',o man1 feel thou thyself4'7 ,i feel them sounding in my very soul1 ,rousing themselves to grant me strength and power4 ,the light doth live in me2 the brightness speaks ,around me2 soul light germinates in me2 ,the brightness of all worlds creates in me3 ,o man1 experience and feel thyself2 7,from rocks and springs resounds3 ',o man1 feel thou thyself4'7 ,,johannes3 ,i find myself secure on every side1 ,where'er these words of power do follow me4 ,they will give light in sense-life's darkened ways3 ,they will sustain me on the spirit-heights3 ,soul-substance will they pour into my heart ,through all the ons of eternity4 ,i feel the essence of the worlds in me1 ,and ,i must find myself in all the worlds4 ,i gaze upon the nature of my soul1 ,which mine own power hath vivified2 ,i rest ,within myself2 ,i look on rocks and springs2 ,they speak the native language of my soul4 ,i find myself again within that soul1 ,into whose life ,i brought such bitter grief2 ,and out of her ,i call unto myself3 ',thou must find me again and ease my pain4' ,the spirit-light will give to me the strength ,to live this other self in its own self4 ,oh hopeful words1 ye stream forth strength to me ,from all the worlds3 ,o man1 feel thou thyself4 7,from rocks and springs resounds3 ',o man1 feel thou thyself4'7 ,,johannes3 ,ye make me feel my feebleness1 and yet ,ye place me near the highest aims of gods2 ,and blissfully ,i feel creative power ,from these high aims in my weak1 earthly form4 ,and out of mine own ,self shall stand revealed ,those powers1 whereof the germ lies hid in me4 ,and ,i will give myself unto the world ,by living out mine own essential life2 ,yea1 all the might of these words will ,i feel1 ,which sound within me softly at the first4 ,they shall become for me a quickening fire ,in my soul-powers and on my spirit-paths4 ,i feel how now my very thought doth pierce ,to deep-concealed foundations of the world2 ,and how it streams through them with radiant light4 ,e'en thus doth work the fructifying power ,of these same words3 ,o man1 feel thou thyself4 7,from rocks and springs resounds3 ',o man1 feel thou thyself6'7 ,from heights of light a being shines on me1 ,and ,i feel wings to lift myself to him3 ,i too will free myself1 like all those souls1 ,who conquered self4 7,from springs and rocks resounds3 ',o man1 feel thou thyself4'7 ,that being do ,i see ,whom ,i would fain be like in future times4 ,the spirit in me shall grow free1 through thee ,sublime example1 ,i will follow thee4 7,enter ,maria7 ,,johannes3 ,the spirit-beings1 who did take me up1 ,have woken now the vision of my soul4 ,and as ,i gaze into the spirit worlds1 ,i feel in mine own self the quickening power ,of these same words3 ,o man1 feel thou thyself4 7,from springs and rocks resounds3 ',o man1 feel thou thyself6'7 ,,johannes3 ,thou here1 my friend8 ,,maria3 ,my soul did urge me here4 ,i saw thy star shining in fullest strength4 ,,johannes3 ,this strength can ,i experience in myself4 ,,maria3 ,so closely are we one1 that thy soul's life ,allows its light to shine forth in my soul4 ,,johannes3 ,maria1 then thou also art aware ,of what has just revealed itself to me4 ,man's first conviction has just come to me1 ,and ,i have gained the certainty of self4 ,i feel that power to guide me everywhere ,lies in these words3 ,o man1 feel thou thyself4 7,from rocks and springs resounds3 ',o man1 feel thou thyself6'7 ,curtain ,,scene #aj ,a room for meditation as in ,scene #c4 ,,theodosius 7in spirit-garb73 ,now canst thou feel all worlds within thyself3 ,so now feel me as love-power of all worlds4 ,a nature1 that is lighted up by me1 ,feels its own being's power enhanced1 whene'er ,it gives itself to give another joy4 ,thus do ,i work with true creative joy ,to build the worlds4 ,without me none can live1 ,and naught without my strength can e'er exist4 ,,johannes3 ,so thou dost stand before my spirit's eye1 ,joy-giver of all worlds4 ,my spirit's strength ,doth feel creative joy1 when ,i behold ,thee as the fruit of self-experience4 ,within the temple to my spirit's eye ,once didst thou show thyself1 yet at that time ,i knew not whether dream or truth appeared4 ,but now the scales have fallen from mine eyes1 ,which kept the spirit's light concealed from me3 ,i know now that thou really dost exist4 ,i will reveal thy nature in my deeds2 ,and they shall work salvation through thy power4 ,to ,benedictus too ,i owe deep thanks3 ,through wisdom hath he given me the strength ,to turn my spirit's sight unto thy world4 ,,theodosius3 ,feel me in thy soul-depths1 and bear my power ,to all the worlds4 ,thus1 serving ,love's behests ,thou shalt experience true blessedness4 ,,johannes3 ,i feel thy presence through its warming light2 ,i feel creative power arise in me4 7,theodosius disappears47 ,he hath departed3 but he will return ,and give me strength from out the springs of love4 ,his light can disappear but for awhile2 ,then1 in its own existence1 it lives on4 ,i can resign myself unto my ,self1 ,and feel ,love's very self in mine own soul3 ,by ,love uplifted ,i can feel my ,self3 ,love shall through me reveal himself to man4 7,he grows uncertain1 as is gradually made manifest by his gestures47 ,yet how shall ,i experience myself8 ,it seems some spirit-being draweth near4 ,since ,i was counted worthy to receive ,the spirit's sight1 ,i feel it ever thus1 ,when evil powers desire to seize on me4 ,yet1 come what may1 ,i have strength to resist2 ,for ,i can feel myself within my ,self2 ,which quickening words give strength invincible4 ,yet now most strong resistance do ,i feel3 ,well may it be the fiercest of all foes3 ,but let him come1 for he will find me armed4 ,thou foe of ,good2 'tis surely thine own self6 ,for near me ,i can feel thy potent strength4 ,i know thou dost desire to rend in twain ,whate'er has wrenched itself from thy control4 ,but ,i shall strengthen in me that new strength1 ,wherein thou canst have neither part nor lot4 7,benedictus appears47 ,,johannes3 ,o ,benedictus1 fount of my new life6 ,it is not possible4 ,it cannot be4 ,nay1 nay1 it cannot be thyself4 ,thou art ,some vain illusion4 ,oh1 revive in me ,ye good powers of my soul1 and straightway crush ,this phantom image1 that would mock at me6 ,,benedictus3 ,ask of thy soul now1 whether it can feel1 ,what through these years my nearness meant to it4 ,through me the fruits of wisdom grew for thee2 ,and wisdom only now can lead thee on1 ,and fend from error in the spirit's realm4 ,so now experience me within thyself4 ,yet wouldst thou go still further1 thou must then ,enter that way1 which to my temple leads4 ,and if my wisdom is to guide thee still ,to loftier heights1 it must flow from that spot ,where with my brethren close conjoined ,i work4 ,the strength of truth ,i gave to thee myself2 ,and if this kindles power from its own fire ,within thyself1 then shalt thou find the way4 7,exit47 ,,johannes3 ,oh1 he doth leave me4 ,how shall ,i decide ,whether ,i have some phantom form dispelled1 ,or if reality hath left me now8 ,yet do ,i feel in me my strength renewed4 ',twas no illusion1 but the man himself4 ,i will experience thee within myself1 ,o ,benedictus1 for thou gav'st me power1 ,which1 growing of itself within myself1 ,taught me to sever error from the truth4 ,and yet to vain illusion ,i succumbed3 #a felt a shudd'ring fear at thine approach2 ,and could consider thee a fantasy1 ,when thou didst stand before my very eyes4 7,theodosius appears47 ,,theodosius3 ,from all illusion thou shalt free thyself1 ,when thou dost fill thyself with mine own strength3 ,to me could ,benedictus lead thy steps1 ,but thine own wisdom now must be thy guide4 ,if thou dost only live what he hath put ,within thee1 then thou canst not live thyself4 ,in freedom strive unto the heights of light2 ,and for this striving now receive my strength4 7,exit47 ,,johannes3 ,how glorious these words of thine do sound6 ,i must now live them out within myself4 ,from all illusion they will set me free1 ,if they but fill my nature to the full4 ,work on then further in my soul's deep core1 ,ye words1 sublime and grand6 ,ye surely must ,proceed from out the temple's shrine alone1 ,since ,benedictus' brother uttered you4 ,i feel already how ye mount within ,mine inmost being4 ,soon shall ye resound ,from out my very ,self1 that ,i may read ,your meaning rightly4 ,spirit1 that doth dwell ,within me1 forth from thy concealment come6 ,now in thine own true nature show thyself6 ,i feel thy near approach3 thou must appear4 7,lucifer and ,ahriman appear47 ,,lucifer3 ,o man1 know me4 ,o man1 feel thou thyself4 ,from spirit guidance hast thou freed thyself1 ,and into earth's free realms thou hast escaped4 ,midst earth's confusion thou didst seek to prove ,thine own existence2 and to find thyself ,was thy reward4 ,so now use this reward4 ,in spirit-ventures keep thyself secure4 ,in the wide realms on high a being strange ,thou shalt discover1 who to human lot ,will fetter thee1 and will oppress thee too4 ,a man1 feel thou thyself3 ,o man1 know me4 ,,ahriman3 ,o man1 know thou thyself3 ,o man1 feel me4 ,from spirit darkness hast thou now escaped2 ,and thou hast found again the light of earth4 ,so now from my sure ground draw strength and truth4 ,the solid earth do ,i make hard and fast3 ,yet canst thou also lose that certainty4 ,weak hesitation can e'en now destroy ,the power of being1 and thou canst misuse ,the spirit-strength e'en in the heights of light4 ,thou canst be rent in twain within thyself4 ,o man1 feel me4 ,o man1 know thou thyself4 7,exit with ,lucifer47 ,,johannes3 ,what meaneth this8 ,first ,lucifer arose ,from me1 and ,ahriman did follow him4 ,doth now some new illusion haunt my soul1 ,although ,i prayed so ardently for truth8 ,hath ,benedictus' brother roused in me ,only those powers1 which in the souls of men ,do but create illusion and deceit8 7,the following is a spirit voice coming from the heights47 ,,spirit3 ,to founts of world primeval ,thy surging thoughts do mount4 ,what unto illusion urged1 ,what in error held thee fast1 ,appeareth to thee now in spirit-light4 ,through whose fulness seeing1 ,mankind doth think in truth2 ,through whose fulness striving1 ,mankind doth live in ,love4 ,curtain ,,scene #aa ,the ,temple of the ,sun4 ,hidden site of the mysteries of the ,hierophants4 ,capesius and ,strader appear as in ,scene #d4 ,,retardus 7to ,capesius and ,strader before him73 ,ye have brought bitter grief to me1 my friends4 ,the office which ,i did entrust to you ,ye have administered with ill success4 ,i call you now before my judgment seat4 ,to thee1 ,capesius1 ,i did entrust ,full measure of the spirit1 that ideas ,of mankind's upward striving might compose1 ,with graceful words1 the content of thy speech1 ,which should have worked convincingly on man4 ,then thine activity ,i did direct ,into those gatherings of men1 wherein ,thou didst ,johannes and ,maria meet4 ,their tendency towards the spirit-sight ,thou shouldst have superseded by the power ,which thy words should have exercised on them4 ,instead of that thou didst thyself give up ,unto the influence which flows from them4-- ,and to thee1 ,strader1 did ,i show the way ,that leads to scientific certainty4 ,thou hadst by rigid thinking to destroy ,the magic power that comes from spirit-sight4 ,but yet thou lackedst feeling's certain touch4 ,the power of thought did slip away from thee1 ,when opportunity for conquest came4 ,my fate is close-entwind with your deeds1 ,through you are these two seekers after truth ,now lost for evermore from my domain2 ,for to the brethren ,i must give their souls4 ,,capesius3 ,thy trusty messenger ,i could not be4 ,thou gav'st me power to picture human life2 ,and ,i could well portray whate'er inspired ,the souls of men at this time or at that3 ,but yet it was impossible for me ,to gift my words1 which painted but the past1 ,with power to fill and satisfy men's souls4 ,,strader3 ,the weakness which must needs befall me too ,was but a true reflection of thine own4 ,knowledge indeed thou couldst give to me3 ,but not the power to still that yearning voice1 ,which strives for truth in every yearning heart4 ,deep in mine inmost soul ,i none the less ,felt other powers continually arise4 ,,retardus3 ,see now then what result your weakness brings4 ,the brethren are approaching with those souls ,in whom they will o'erthrow my power4 ,e'en now ,johannes and ,maria feel their might4 7,enter ,benedictus with ,lucifer and ,ahriman2 behind them ,johannes and ,maria47 ,,benedictus 7to ,lucifer73 ,johannes' and ,maria's souls have now ,no longer room for blind unseeing power3 ,to spirit-life they have been lifted up4 ,,lucifer3 ,then must ,i straightway from their souls depart4 ,the wisdom unto which they have attained1 ,doth give them power to see me1 and my sway ,o'er souls of men doth only last so long ,as ,i remain invisible to them4 ,yet doth the power continue which hath been ,from the creation of the worlds mine own4 ,and though ,i cannot tempt their souls1 yet still ,my power will cause within their spirit-life ,most beauteous fruits1 to ripen and endure4 ,,benedictus 7to ,ahriman73 ,johannes' and ,maria's souls have now ,destroyed all error's darkness in themselves2 ,and spirit-sight hath been revealed to them4 ,,ahriman3 ,i must indeed renounce their spirits then2 ,for they will turn henceforth unto the light4 ,yet one thing hath not yet been ta'en from me2 ,with sense-appearance to delight their souls4 ,and though no longer they will deem it truth1 ,yet will they see how truth it doth reveal4 7,enter the ,other ,maria47 ,,theodosius 7to the ,other ,maria73 ,close intertwind was thy destiny ,with thine exalted sister's loftier life3 ,the light of love ,i could impart to her3 ,but not the warmth of love1 so long as thou ,didst always let thy noblest impulses ,from dim sensations only rise in thee1 ,and didst not strive to see them clear and bold ,in the full light of wisdom's certainty4 ,the influence of the ,temple does not reach ,unto the nature of vague impulses1 ,e'en though such impulse wills to work for good4 ,,the ,,other ,,maria3 ,i needs must recognize that noble thought ,can only work salvation in the light4 ,so to the temple ,i now wend my way4 ,my own emotion shall in future times ,not rob the light of love of its results4 ,,theodosius3 ,through this1 thine insight1 thou dost give me power ,to make ,maria's soul-light on the earth ,run smooth and evenly upon its path3 ,for aye aforetime it must lose its might ,in souls1 such as thine own was heretofore1 ,which would not unify their light with love4 ,,johannes 7to the ,other ,maria73 ,i see in thee the nature of that soul1 ,which also holdeth sway within mine own4 ,i was unable to find out the way ,which led to thine exalted sister's soul ,so long as in my heart the warmth of love ,from love's light ever held itself apart4 ,the sacrifice which to the temple's shrine ,thou bring'st1 shall be repeated in my soul4 ,therein the warmth of love shall sacrifice ,itself unto love's wonder-working light4 ,,maria3 ,johannes1 in the realm of spirit-life ,thou hast attained to knowledge through myself4 ,to spirit knowledge thou canst only add ,true soul-existence1 when thou findest too ,thine own soul1 as thou didst find mine before4 7,enter ,philia1 ,astrid1 and ,luna47 ,,philia3 ,then from the whole creation of the worlds ,the joy of souls shall be revealed to thee4 ,,astrid3 ,from thine whole being then can be outpoured ,the light and radiance of the warmth of souls4 ,,luna3 ,then shalt thou dare to live out thine own self1 ,when such light can illuminate thy soul4 7,enter ,felix and ,felicia ,balde47 ,,romanus 7to ,felix ,balde73 ,long hast thou from the temple held thyself4 ,thou only wouldst admit enlightenment1 ,when light from thine own soul revealed itself4 ,men of thy nature rob me of the power ,to give my light unto men's souls on earth4 ,they wish to draw from darksome depths alone1 ,what they should freely offer unto life4 ,,felix ,,balde3 ,yet 'twas man's own illusion in itself1 ,that brought me light from out the darkest depths3 ,and let me to the temple find my way4 ,,romanus3 ,the fact that thou hast hither found thy way ,gives me the power to give light to the will ,of both ,johannes and ,maria here4 ,that it no more may follow forces blind1 ,but from world-aims henceforth direct itself4 ,,maria3 ,johannes1 thou hast seen thine own self now ,in spirit in myself4 ,thou shalt live out ,thine own existence as a spirit1 when ,the world's light can behold itself in thee4 ,,johannes 7to ,felix ,balde73 ,in thee1 good brother ,felix1 do ,i see ,that soul-power which did hold my will fast bound ,in its own spirit4 ,thou wouldst find the way ,unto the temple3 with the strength of will ,within my spirit ,i would fain point out ,the path unto the temple of the soul4 ,,retardus3 ,johannes' and ,maria's souls e'en now ,escape from my domain3 how then shall they ,discover all that springs forth from my might8 ,so long as they did lack within their souls ,the fundaments of learning1 they did still ,find joy and pleasure in my gifts1 but now ,i see myself compelled to let them go4 ,,felicia3 ,that man without thine aid1 may fire himself ,to rational thought1 that have ,i shown to thee ,from me a learning streams that dare bear fruit4 ,,johannes3 ,this learning shall be wedded to the light1 ,which from this temple's source can fill men's souls4 ,,retardus3 ,capesius1 my son1 thou art now lost4 ,thou hast withdrawn thyself from my domain ,before the temple's light can shine for thee4 ,,benedictus3 ,he hath begun the path4 ,he feels the light4 ,and he will win the strength to search and know ,in his own soul all that1 which up till now ,good ,dame ,felicia hath produced for him4 ,,strader3 ,then ,i alone seem lost1 for of myself ,i cannot cast all doubts from out my heart2 ,and surely ,i shall never find again ,the way that doth unto the temple lead4 ,,theodora3 ,from out thine heart a glow of light spreads forth2 ,a human image now is born therefrom2 ,and ,i can hear the words1 which do proceed ,from this same human form4 ,e'en thus they sound3 ',i have achieved the power to reach the light4' ,my friend1 trust thou thyself6 ,these very words1 ,when thy time is fulfilled1 thyself shalt speak4 ,curtain ,,the ,,soul',s ,,probation ,,summary ,,of ,,the ,,scenes ,scene #a3 ,capesius4 ,his occult exercises and his despair4 ,scene #b3 ,meditation chamber the same as ,scenes #c and #aj of ,play #a4 ,benedictus warns ,maria that ,johannes must be free4 ,she resolves to look back upon past incarnations4 ,scene #c3 ,johannes and his painting4 ,maria resolves not to hinder his freedom by her love4 ,scene #d3 ,as ,scene #a4 ,capesius and ,strader4 ,scene #e3 ,capesius at the ,balde's cottage4 ,dame ,felicia's fable4 ,johannes and his double4 ,scene #f3 ,the #adth century4 ,the meadows by the ,castle of the ,mystic ,knights4 ,country folk4 ,the ,jew4 ,thomas confesses to the ,monk his love for ,keane's daughter4 ,scene #g3 ,same period4 ,the ,interior of the ,castle4 ,the ,grand ,master and ,council4 ,the ,monk's demand4 ,the apparition of his late ,master1 ,benedictus4 ,scene #h3 ,same period4 ,keane has discovered that ,thomas and his sweetheart are the children of the #ast ,preceptor and informs the #ast ,preceptor of the fact4 ,the scene closes with a discussion on evolution1 and the inspired warning of the ,second ,master of ,ceremonies4 ,scene #i3 ,same period4 ,the ,keanes4 ,dame ,keane's fable4 ,the ,country folk4 ,thomas and ,cecilia4 ,scene #aj3 ,scene same as ,scene #e4 ,the return to the present day4 ,explanation of ,scenes #f to #i4 ,scene #aa3 ,meditation chamber as in ,scene #b4 ,maria defeats ,ahriman4 ,scene #ab3 ,the same4 ,johannes and ,lucifer4 ,scene #ac3 ,the ,temple of the ,sun4 ,destiny4 ,,persons1 ,,forms1 ,,and ,,features ,the spiritual and psychic experiences of the characters appearing in this ,soul's ,probation are a continuation of the experiences given in the scenes of ,the ,portal of ,initiation1 and the events related occur several years later4 ,benedictus ,theodosius ,hierophants of the ,temple of the ,sun4 ,romanus ,professor ,capesius4 ,philia ,the spiritual beings who facilitate the connection ,astrid between the ,soul and the ,cosmos4 ,they are not ,luna allegorical1 but are realities for the spirit ,seer4 ,the ,other ,philia1 ,the spiritual being who hinders the connection between the ,soul and the ,cosmos4 ,the ,voice of ,conscience1 not allegorical1 but a reality1 for the spirit ,seer4 ,maria4 ,johannes ,thomasius4 ,doctor ,strader4 ,felix ,balde4 ,felicia1 his wife4 ,the ',double' of ,johannes ,thomasius4 ,lucifer4 ,ahriman4 ,the events of the ,sixth to the ,ninth ,scenes contain the spiritual vision of ,capesius into his former life4 ,maria and ,johannes share the experiences at the same time2 but ,strader's former incarnation is only seen by ,capesius1 ,maria1 and ,johannes4 ,these scenes back into the fourteenth century are conceived as results of imaginative cognition1 and in the physical world are only recognizable by their effect4 ,the way in which a life is repeated 7from occurrences of the fourteenth century into the present day7 should not be taken arbitrarily1 but merely as what may happen at any turning point of time4 ,these conflicts and consequences of a former life are only possible at such a time4 ,the ,vision of ,capesius into the ,fourteenth ,century ,the ,spirit of ,benedictus4 ,the ,grand ,master1 chief of a branch of mystic brotherhood4 ,first ,preceptor1 of the mystic brotherhood4 7,a former incarnation of ,professor ,capesius47 ,second ,preceptor1 of the mystic brotherhood4 ,first ,master of the ,ceremonies1 of the mystic brotherhood4 ,second ,master of the ,ceremonies1 of the mystic brotherhood4 ,simon1 the ,jew 7a former incarnation of ,dr4 ,strader74 ,thomas 7a former incarnation of ,johannes ,thomasius74 ,a ,monk 7a former incarnation of ,maria74 ,joseph ,keane 7a former incarnation of ,felix ,balde74 ,his ,wife 7a former incarnation of ,felicia ,balde74 ,bertha1 their daughter 7a former incarnation of the ,other ,maria74 ,cecilia1 their foster-daughter 7a former incarnation of ,theodora74 ,six ,country ,men1 and ,six ,country ,women4 ,note on the ,costumes ,worn 7see also notes to the ,portal of ,initiation74 ,the knights are in chain armour and dark blue robes of their order1 with a white ,maltese cross on their mantle and on their tunic4 ,the mantle of the ,grand ,master is crimson2 his tunic is white with a red cross4 ,their blue caps and the ,grand ,master's red cap are flat and triangular4 ,the apparition of ,benedictus in ,scene #g1 is in pink peach blossom colour4 ,he appears in the background about nine feet above the stage and remains rigid with his arms extended in cross fashion the whole time of his appearance in this scene4 ,,the ,,soul',s ,,probation ,,scene #a ,the library and study of ,capesius4 ,prevailing colour brown4 ,evening4 ,first ,capesius1 then the ,spirit-,forms who are powers of soul2 later ,benedictus4 ,,capesius 7reading in a book73 ',by inward gazing on the ,beingless1 ,and dreaming through the shadowy picture realm ,of thought1 conformably to self-made laws3-- ,thus erring human nature often seeks ,to find the meaning and the goal of life3 ,the soul from its own depths would draw replies ,to questions that concern the universe4 ,yet such attempts are vain1 illusory ,e'en at the outset1 and they lead at last ,to feeble visions which destroy themselves4' 7,speaking as follows47 ,thus is portrayed in words of import grave ,through ,benedictus' noble spirit-sight1 ,the inward life of many human souls4 ,each phrase goes home destructive to my heart-- ,unfolding truly mine own way and life ,until this day1 with cruel vividness4 ,and should a god this very hour appear ,descending on me in a raging storm ,and clad in wrath1 yet could his threatening might ,not torture me with more appalling fears ,than do the ,master's words1 as strong as fate4 ,long hath my life been1 but its web displays ,nothing but pictures shadowy and dim ,which haunt my dreaming soul and fondly strive ,to mirror truths of nature and of mind4 ,with this dream-fabric hath my thought essayed ,to solve the riddle of the universe4 ,down many a path my restless soul ,i turned4 ,yet do ,i clearly see that ,i myself1 ,was not the active master of my soul ,when threads of thought along illusion's path ,spun themselves out to cosmic distances4 ,so that which ,i in my content beheld ,in pictures1 left me empty1 led to naught4 ,then came across my path ,thomasius1 ,the youthful painter4 ,he indeed strode on1 ,upheld by truest energies of soul ,to that exalted spiritual way ,which transforms human life1 and makes to rise ,from hidden gulfs of soul the energy ,which feeds the springs of life within ourselves4 ,that which awoke from out his inmost soul ,abides in every man4 ,and since from him ,i gained this revelation1 ,i do count ,as chief amongst the many sins of life ,to let the spirit's treasure grow corrupt4 ,i know henceforth that ,i must search and seek ,and nevermore allow myself to doubt4 ,in days gone by my vanity of thought ,could have enticed me to the false belief ,that unto knowledge man aspires in vain2 ,and only failure and despair belong ,to those who would lay bare the springs of life4 ,and were all wisdom to unite in this1 ,and were ,i powerless to reject the claim ,that human destiny demands of man ,that he shall lose his individual self ,and sink into the gulf of nothingness1 ,yet would ,i make the venture unafraid4 ,such thoughts would be a sacrilege today1 ,since ,i have learned ,i cannot win repose ,until the spirit treasure in my soul ,hath been unveild to the light of day4 ,the fruits of work of spirit-entities ,have been implanted in the human soul1 ,and whoso leaves the spirit seed to lie ,unheeded and decay1 he brings to nought ,the work divine committed unto man4 ,thus do ,i recognize life's highest task2 ,yet when ,i try to take one single step ,across the threshold that ,i dare not shun1 ,i feel my strength desert me1 which of yore ,did pride itself on elevated thought1 ,and sought the goals of life in time and space4 ,once did ,i reckon it an easy thing ,to set the brain in action and to grasp ,the nature of reality by thought4 ,but now1 when ,i would search the fount of life ,and comprehend it as in truth it is1 ,my thought appears as some blunt instrument2 ,i have no power1 no matter how ,i strive1 ,to form a clear thought-image from the words ,of ,benedictus1 though his earnest speech1 ,should now direct me to the spirit's path4 7,resuming his reading47 ',in silence sound the depths of thine own soul1 ,and ever let strong courage be thy guide4 ,thy former ways of thinking cast away ,what time thou dost withdraw into thyself2 ,for only when thine own light is put out ,will spirit-radiance show itself to thee4' 7,resuming his soliloquy47 ,it seems as though ,i could not draw my breath ,when ,i attempt to understand these words4 ,and ere ,i feel the thoughts that ,i must think1 ,fear and misgiving have beset my soul4 ,it is borne in on me that everything ,which hitherto was my environment ,is crumbling into ruin1 and therewith ,i too am crumbling into nothingness4 ,an hundred times at least have ,i perused ,the words which follow1 and each several time ,darkness enfolds me deeper than before4 7,resuming his reading47 ',within thy thinking cosmic thought doth live1 ,within thy feeling cosmic forces play1 ,within thy will do cosmic beings work2 ,abandon thou thyself to cosmic thought1 ,experience thyself through cosmic force1 ,create thyself anew from cosmic will4 ,end not at last in cosmic distances ,by fantasies of dreamy thought beguiled4 ,do thou begin in farthest spirit-realms ,and end in the recesses of thy soul4 ,the plan divine then shalt thou recognize ,when thou hast realized thy ,self in thee4' 7,becomes entranced by a vision1 then comes to himself and speaks47 ,what was this8 7,three ,figures1 representing soul-forces1 float round him47 ,,luna3 ,abundant power is thine ,for lofty spirit-flight2 ,its sure foundation rests ,upon the human will4 ,its temper hath been tried ,by sure and certain hope4 ,it hath grown strong as steel ,by sight of future times4 ,thou dost but courage lack ,to pour into thy will ,thy confidence in life4 ,into the vast ,unknown ,dare but to venture forth6 ,,astrid3 ,from cosmic distances ,and from the sun's glad light1 ,from utmost realms of stars ,and magic might of worlds1 ,from heaven's ethereal blue ,and spirit's lofty power1 ,win mightiness of soul2 ,and send its radiant beams ,deep down within thine heart2 ,that knowledge glowing warm ,may thus be born in thee4 ,,the ,,other ,,philia3 ,they are deceiving thee ,this evil sisterhood2 ,they seek but to ensnare ,by trickery and guile4 ,the gifts so seeming fair ,which they have offered thee ,will vanish into air ,when thou wouldst hold them fast ,with all thy human strength4 ,they lead thee on to worlds ,inhabited by gods1 ,where thou wilt be destroyed ,if1 once within their realm1 ,thou strivest to o'ercome ,by human strength alone4 ,,capesius3 ,it was quite plain that here some beings spake-- ,and yet it is most sure that no one else-- ,beside myself--is present in this place4 ,so have ,i but held converse with myself ,and yet that too seems quite impossible-- ,for ne'er could ,i imagine such discourse ,as here ,i listened to4444 ,am ,i still he ,i was before8 7,from his gestures it is plain he feels unable to reply 'yes4'7 ,oh6 ,i am--,i am not4 ,,the ,,spirit-,,voice ,,of ,,conscience3 ,thy thoughts do now descend ,to depths of human life ,and what as soul doth compass thee around ,and what as spirit is enchained in thee1 ,is lost in cosmic depth1 ,from whose fulness quaffing ,mankind doth live in thought2 ,from whose fulness living ,mankind illusion weaves4 ,,capesius3 ,enough4444 ,enough4444 ,where is ,capesius8 ,you ,i implore 444 ye forces all unknown4444 ,where is ,capesius8 ,where is 444 myself8 7,once more he relapses into a reverie47 7,enter ,benedictus4 ,capesius does not notice him at first4 ,benedictus touches him on the shoulder47 ,,benedictus3 ,i learned that thou didst wish to speak with me1 ,and so ,i came to seek thee in thy home4 ,,capesius3 ,right good it is of thee to grant my wish4 ,yet it had scarce been possible that thou ,shouldst find me in worse case than now ,i am4 ,that ,i am not this moment on the ground ,prostrate before thy feet1 after such pain ,as even now hath racked my soul1 ,i owe ,to thy kind glance alone which sought mine own1 ,so soon as thou didst with thy gentle touch ,arouse me from the horrors of my dream4 ,,benedictus3 ,i am aware that ,i have found thee now ,fighting a battle for thy very life4 ,since ,i have known full well this long time past ,that thus it was appointed us to meet4 ,prepare to change the sense of many words ,if thou wouldst understand my speech aright ,and do not marvel that thy present pain ,bears in my language quite another name-- ,i call thy state good fortune4 ,,capesius3 ,then indeed ,thou dost but heap the measure of the woe ,which casts me into gloom's abysmal depths4 ,just now ,i felt as if my real self ,had flown afar to cosmic distances1 ,and unfamiliar beings through its sheaths ,were speaking here4 ,but this ,i took to be ,hallucination1 spirit mockery1 ,and mourned that thus my soul could be deceived3 ,this thought alone kept me from breaking down4 ,take not away my right thus to believe1 ,the only prop ,i lean on2 tell me not ,my fevered dreaming was good fortune2 else ,i shall be lost indeed4 ,,benedictus3 ,a man can lose ,nought else but that which keeps him separate ,from cosmic being4 ,when he seems to lose ,that which in dreamy fantasies of thought ,he misapplied to labours purposeless1 ,then let him seek for what has gone from him4 ,for he will surely find it1 and withal ,the proper use to which it should be put ,in human life4 ,mere words of comfort now ,were nothing more than clever play on words4 ,,capesius3 ,nay--lore that may by simple human wit ,be comprehended thou dost not impart4 ,bitter experience has shown me this4 ,like deeds which lead one on to lofty heights ,and also cast one to abysmal depths1 ,thy counsels pour a stream of fiery life ,and also deathly chill into men's souls4 ,they work at once e'en as the nod of fate ,and also as a storm of living love4 ,much had ,i sought and thought in earlier days ,before ,i met thee2 yet the spirit's powers1 ,creative and destructive1 ,i have learned ,only since ,i have followed in thy steps4 ,the turmoil and confusion of my soul1 ,caused by thy words1 was evident when thou ,didst come within my chamber4 ,oft ,i felt ,much pain whilst reading in thy book of life1 ,until today my cup of woe was full4 ,and so my agony of soul o'erflowed1 ,spilled by thy fateful words4 ,their meaning swept ,o'er all my soul unrecognized1 and yet ,like some elixir they revived my heart4 ,in such wise wrought they in the magic worlds ,that all my clarity of sense was lost4 ,then ghostly phantoms made a mock of me1 ,and words of import dark ,i seemed to hear ,issue from my distraught tormented soul4 ,i know that all the secrets thou dost guard ,for human souls may not be written down1 ,but that the answer to men's doubts may be ,revealed to each according to his need4 ,so grant me that of which ,i stand in need2 ,for verily ,i must indeed be told ,what robbed me of my senses and my wits ,and compassed me with magic's airy spells4 ,,benedictus3 ,another meaning hides within my words ,than that of the ideas which they convey2 ,they guide the natural forces of the soul ,to spirit-verities2 their inward sense ,cannot be understood until the day ,on which they waken vision in the soul ,that yields itself to their compelling power4 ,they are not fruitage of mine own research2 ,but spirits have entrusted them to me1 ,spirits well skilled to read the signs in which ,the ,karma of the world doth stand revealed4 ,the special virtue of these words is this1 ,unto the source of knowledge they can guide4 ,yet none the less it must be each man's task1 ,who understands them in their truest sense1 ,to drink the spirit-waters from that source4 ,nor are my words designed to hinder thee ,from being swept away to worlds that seem ,to thee fantastic4 ,thou hast seen a realm ,which must remain illusion just as long ,as thou dost lose thyself on entering it4 ,but wisdom's outer portal will be found ,unsealed to thine advancing soul so soon ,as thou dost near it with self-consciousness4 ,,capesius3 ,and how can ,i maintain self-consciousness8 ,,benedictus3 ,the answer to this riddle thou shalt find ,when1 with awakened inner eye1 thou dost ,perceive before thee many wondrous things1 ,which shortly will be found to cross thy path4 ,know that a test hath been ordained for thee ,by lords of fate and by the spirit-powers4 7,exit47 ,,capesius3 ,although their meaning is not clear to me ,i feel his words at work within myself4 ,he hath appointed me a goal2 and ,i ,am ready to obey4 ,he doth not ask ,for stress of thought2 it seems that he desires ,i should press forward with exploring feet ,to find the spirit-verities myself4 ,i cannot tell how he was sent to me2 ,and yet his actions have compelled my trust2 ,he hath restored me to myself once more4 ,so though at present ,i may not divine ,the nature of the spell that shook me so1 ,i will not shrink from facing these events ,which his prophetic vision hath foretold4 ,curtain whilst ,capesius remains standing ,,scene #b ,a meditation chamber4 ,prevailing colour violet4 ,serious1 but not gloomy atmosphere4 ,benedictus1 ,maria1 then the ,spirit-,figures representing soul-powers4 ,,maria3 ,great conflicts in my soul bid me invoke ,wise counsel from my master in this hour4 ,gloomy forebodings rise within my heart4 ,and ,i am powerless to withstand the thoughts ,that overwhelm me ever and again4 ,they pierce me to my being's inmost core2 ,they seek to lay upon me a command ,which to obey doth seem like sacrilege4 ,deceitful powers must be obsessing me2 ,oh1 ,i implore thee--lend me aid 444 that ,i ,may exorcise them4 ,,benedictus3 ,never shalt thou lack ,what thou dost need of me at any time4 ,,maria3 ,i know how closely to my soul are knit ,johannes' life and aims4 ,a stony road ,of fate brought us together2 and ,god's will ,hath hallowed in high spirit-realms our bond4 ,all this stands out before me e'en as clear ,as only truth itself can be4 ,and yet-- ,horror o'erpowers me that these lips of mine ,must utterance give to sacrilegious words-- ,and yet--deep in my soul ,i hear a voice ,which tells me plainly and repeatedly ,despite my utmost will to fight it down3 ',thou must give up ,johannes1 let him go4 ,no longer mayst thou keep him at thy side ,if thou wouldst not work evil to his soul4 ,alone he must proceed along the road ,on which he travels to his longed for goal4' ,i know that if thou dost but speak the word ,this lying dream will cease to haunt my soul4 ,,benedictus3 ,maria1 noble grief leads thee astray ,to see the truth yet call it counterfeit4 ,,maria3 ,what ,i have seen--is truth4444 ,it cannot be6 ,between my master's utterance and mine ear ,delusion steals4 ,o speak to me again4 ,,benedictus3 ,what ,i have spoken1 thou hast heard aright3 ,thy love is noble1 and ,johannes stands ,close-knit to thee4 ,but love must not forget ,that she is wisdom's sister4 ,long indeed ,for his salvation hath ,johannes been ,with thee united4 ,now his soul demands1 ,for its own progress1 freedom to pursue ,its aims unhindered4 ,fate doth not decree ,that ye shall be no longer outward friends2 ,but this it doth demand with strict decree ,johannes' freedom in the spirit-realm4 ,,maria3 ,still do ,i hear delusion3 so let me ,alone continue speaking1 for ,i know ,that thou must understand me without fail4 ,for sure it is no lying shape will dare ,to change the words unto thine ear addressed4 ,my host of doubts were easily dispersed ,if earth-life's tortuous course alone it were ,that knits ,johannes' soul unto mine own4 ,but to our bond was lofty sanction given ,which knits soul unto soul eternally4 ,and spirit-powers did speak with blessings meet ,the word that bans all doubt for evermore3 ',he hath won truth within th' eternal realms ,because in worlds of sense his inmost self ,already was united with thine own4' ,what can this revelation mean to me ,if now its very opposite is true8 ,,benedictus3 ,thou hast to learn that even one to whom ,there hath been much revealed1 may yet be found ,lacking perfection still in divers ways4 ,tangled the paths that lead to higher truth3 444 ,and only those may hope to reach the goal ,who walk in patience through their labyrinths4 ,thou didst but see one part of what is real ,in that great realm of everlasting light1 ,when with thine inner vision thou didst gaze ,upon a picture of the spirit-land4 ,not yet hast thou seen full reality4 ,johannes' soul is knit unto thine own ,by earthly ties of such complexity ,that it may be allotted unto each ,to find his way into the spirit-realm ,through forces borrowed from the other one4 ,but nothing hitherto hath clearly shown ,that thou hast conquered each and every test4 ,to see a picture hath been granted thee ,of what the future holds for thee in store ,when thou canst pass unscathed the full ordeal4 ,that thou hast seen the ultimate reward ,of unremitting effort is no sign ,that thou hast reached the end of all thy strife4 ,thou hast beheld a picture1 which thy will ,alone can turn unto reality4 ,,maria3 ,although thy words just spoken fall on me ,like bitter pain that follows hours of bliss1 ,there is at least one lesson ,i have learned1 ,which is to bow my head to wisdom's light ,when it doth prove itself through inward force4 ,already something is becoming clear ,which up till now lay hidden in my heart4 ,but when in highest bliss delusion's snare ,doth wear the mask of truth to human minds1 ,darkness of soul is difficult to ban4 ,i need still more than that which thou hast given ,to plumb the depth of meaning in thy words4 ,thou once didst lead myself to those soul-depths ,wherein a light was then vouchsafed to me ,by which ,i could behold the lives ,i spent ,in previous incarnations long ago4 ,thus was it granted me to learn the way ,in which my soul was linked unto my friend's4 ,my act of bringing1 in those days of old1 ,johannes' soul unto the spirit-fount ,i felt and recognized to be the seed ,which grew and bore such cherished friendship's fruit1 ,as was found ripe for all eternity4 ,,benedictus3 ,thou wast accounted worthy to retrace ,thy path on earth in days long since gone by4 ,but thou must not forget to look and see ,if thou canst be assured with certainty ,that of thine actions none remain concealed ,when backward thou didst turn thy spirit's eye4 ,,maria 7after a pause betokening deep reflection73 ,how could ,i be so blinded1 so misled8 ,the rapture which ,i felt on looking back ,over a period of bygone times ,deluded me to vain forgetfulness ,of manifold shortcomings4 ,not till now ,did ,i foresee that ,i must turn my gaze ,into the darkness ere ,i comprehend ,the road that leads back from this present life ,to olden days when my friend's soul sought mine4 ,to thee1 my master1 will ,i make my vow ,henceforth to bridle my soul's arrogance4446 ,now for the first time do ,i realize ,how pride of knowledge leads the soul astray2 ,so that1 instead of its imbibing strength ,from freely offered stores of spirit-wealth1 ,it misapplies the gift in wanton use ,and only holds the mirror up to self4 ,i know at last from my heart's warning call1 ,to which thy words lend added power1 how far ,i am today e'en from the nearest goal4 ,no more will ,i be overswift to read ,a meaning into words from spirit-lands4 ,i will esteem them power wherewith my soul ,may shape its course--1 not as some message sent ,to free me from the need of finding out ,the goal of action in my daily life4 ,had ,i paid earlier heed unto this truth ,and gone my way in due humility2 ,i had not failed to see that only then ,when he decides to tread a path not traced ,by me beforehand1 can my friend unfold ,to fullest bloom his richly-gifted soul4 ,and now that this is clear ,i shall not fail ,in finding strength sufficient to fulfil ,what love and duty may require of me4 ,yet do ,i feel assured this very hour ,more clearly than ,i ever was before ,that some grave testing of my soul draws nigh4 ,for mostly1 when men tear from out their hearts ,that of themselves which in another lives1 ,love hath been changed into its opposite4 ,themselves they change the ties that coupled them1 ,yet passion's impulse gives to them the power4 ,whilst ,i must of mine own free will uproot ,the workings of my soul's life1 which ,i saw ,accomplishing themselves in my friend's acts2 ,and still unchanging must my love abide4 ,,benedictus3 ,if thou wouldst steer thy course direct1 thou must ,become aware of what thou most didst prize ,in this thy love4 ,for once thou knowst the force ,that leads thee all unknown within thy soul1 ,thou wilt find power to do what duty bids4 ,,maria3 ,by saying this thou giv'st e'en now that aid ,of which my soul so sorely stands in need4 ,i must investigate mine inmost self ,with earnest questioning3 and so ,i ask1 ,what potent cause impels me in my love8 ,i see my own soul's life and strength at work ,in my friend's nature and activities4 ,so that which ,i desire to satisfy ,is nothing but the hunger of myself1 ,which ,i1 deluded1 call unselfishness4 ,thus it hath been concealed from me till now ,that in my friend ,i mirror but myself4 ,it was the dragon ,selfishness who veiled ,the truth from me in wrappings of deceit4 ,and selfishness can take an hundred forms3-- ,i see it clearly now4 ,and when one thinks ,the enemy subdued1 behold him rise ,out of defeat and stronger than before4 ,moreover 'tis a foe with added skill ,to hide the truth with cloak of counterfeit4 7,maria sinks into deep thought47 7,the three ,spirit-,figures of the soul-powers appear47 ,,maria3 ,ye sisters1 whom ,i find in ,being's depths ,whene'er my soul expands and guides herself ,to cosmic distances1 release for me ,from out the ether's heights the powers of sight ,and lead them hence to earthly paths1 that ,i ,may know myself as ,i exist in ,time1 ,and may be able to direct my course ,from ,life's old ways unto new spheres of ,will4 ,,philia3 ,from my heart's depths will ,i myself imbue ,with soul's aspiring light2 ,i will breathe deep ,from spirit-forces living powers of ,will2 ,that thou1 beloved sister1 mayest seek ,and find the light in bygone spheres of life4 ,,astrid3 ,with selfhood1 conscious of itself1 will ,i ,weave in the self-surrendering ,will of love2 ,i will set free from fetters of desire ,the budding powers of ,will1 and will transform ,thy crippled wish to spirit-certainty2 ,that thou1 beloved sister1 mayest learn ,to find thyself in distant paths of life4 ,,luna3 ,i will call self-denying powers of heart2 ,and will make firm enduring soul-repose2 ,then shall they wed1 and raise up spirit-light ,in all its power from out the depths of soul4 ,then shall they interpenetrate and force ,earth's bounds to heed the listening spirit-ear1 ,compel earth's distances to answer4 ,that thou1 beloved sister1 mayest find ,life's varied traces in ,time's vast expanse4 ,,maria 7after a pause73 ,if ,i can only tear myself away ,from my bewildered consciousness of self ,and give myself to you3 that thus ye may ,reflect my very soul from cosmic space2 ,then from this sphere of life ,i gain release1 ,and find myself in other states of being4 7,long pause1 then the following37 ,in you1 my sisters1 ,i see spirit-forms ,in whom dwell cosmic souls4 ,ye have the power ,to bring seed-forces from eternal realms ,to fruitage in humanity itself4 ,through my soul's gates oft have ,i found the way ,into your kingdom1 and have there beheld ,the primal shaping of this earthly globe ,with inner vision4 ,now your help ,i crave ,since ,i am bidden to retrace the way ,that stretches back far from my present life ,to long past ages of humanity4 ,release my soul from consciousness of self ,in time-enclosed existence1 and reveal ,the duties laid on me by former lives4 ,a ,,spirit-,,voice1--,,the ,,spiritual ,,conscience3 ,her thoughts are seeking now ,for clues in ,time's vast space4 ,what as debt she still doth owe1 ,what as duty is imposed1 ,arise from out her inmost depths of soul1 ,from whose deepness dreaming ,mankind doth guide his life1 ,in whose deepness straying ,mankind himself doth lose4 ,curtain falls2 everybody still standing on the stage ,,scene #c ,a room whose prevailing tint is rose-red1 cheerful atmosphere4 ,johannes at an easel2 ,maria enters later2 finally the ,spirit-,figures representing soul-powers4 ,,johannes3 ,maria1 when she saw my picture last1 ,stood silent4 ,heretofore she ever gave ,hints to assist the progress of my work ,from her rich store of wisdom manifold4 ,little as ,i can trust myself to judge ,whether my art indeed accomplishes ,the task our spirit-current hath imposed1 ,yet is my confidence in her complete4 ,and ever through my spirit ring her words ,which lent me strength and brought me happiness ,when ,i took courage and began this work4 ',in such a way as this1' she said1 'thou canst ,attempt this enterprise1 and so reveal ,thy spirit's visions unto earthly eyes4 ,thou wilt not fail to recognize how forms1 ,fashioned like thoughts1 shape matter to their will2 ,nor yet how colour1 to desire akin1 ,doth fill thy vital energy with warmth4 ,in such wise canst thou even represent ,on canvas through thy skill the higher realms4' ,i feel the power that dwells within these words ,and diffidently yield to that belief ,that ,i am drawing nearer to the goal ,which ,benedictus hath appointed me4 ,full oft ,i sat discouraged at my work2 ,it seemed at one time so presumptuous1 ,and at another so impossible ,to represent in colour and in form ,the visions that are granted to my soul4 ,how can the ceaseless web of spirit-life1 ,which is revealed to inner sight alone ,and is so far withdrawn from outward sense1 ,be manifest in matter which is drawn1 ,as drawn it must be1 from the realm of sense8 ,this question have ,i asked myself full oft4 ,yet when ,i banish personality1 ,and follow spirit-teaching faithfully1 ,and feel myself caught up in blessedness ,unto creative forces of the worlds1 ,at once belief awakens in an art ,as true and mystic as our spirit-quest4 ,i learned to live with light1 and recognize ,in colour's power the action of that light1 ,as faithful students of true mystic lore ,see in realms reft of colour and of form ,the spirit's deeds and soul's reality4 ,relying on this spirit-light1 ,i won ,this power to feel in flowing sea of light1 ,and live within the stream of glowing tints2 ,and sense those spirit-forces which maintain ,their might in non-material webs of light1 ,and radiant colours filled with spirit-life4 7,enter ,maria1 unobserved by ,johannes47 ,and when my courage faileth me1 once more ,of thee1 my friend most noble1 do ,i think4 ,at thy soul's fire my love of work is warmed2 ,thy spirit-light awakes my faith anew4 7,he sees ,maria47 ,oh1 thou art here4444 ,impatiently ,i craved ,thy coming1 yet ,i marked not thine approach6 ,,maria3 ,i must rejoice to find my friend so wrapt ,in work as to forget his friend herself4 ,,johannes3 ,nay1 speak not thus1 since thou dost know full well ,that ,i cannot create one single thought ,which hath not first been hallowed by thine aid4 ,no work of mine owes not its life to thee4 ,through thy love's fire have ,i been purified2 ,through thee my art hath learned to represent ,the beauty of the truths revealed to thee1 ,which warm my heart1 illuminate my sense1 ,and clothe in radiant light the spirit-world4 ,the current of my work must take its rise ,from thy soul's spring and flow thence into mine1 ,ere ,i can feel the wings that lift me up ,to lofty heights of spirit1 far from earth4 ,i love the life that quickens in thy soul1 ,and1 loving it1 can give it form and hue4 ,love only can beget artistic power ,and make an artist's work bear fruit and live4 ,if ,i1 as artist1 am to carry back ,pictures of spirit to the world of sense1 ,then cosmic spirit must speak forth through me1 ,my personality be but its tool4 ,i must first burst the bonds of selfishness ,ere ,i can know that ,i shall not mistake ,for spirit-worlds my own vain fantasies4 ,,maria3 ,and if thou hadst to seek through thine own sight ,and not through mine the true source of thy work1 ,it might well be that1 coming from one soul ,thy dream of beauty might be unified4 ,,johannes3 ,i should be spinning webs of idle thought ,in speculating which ,i should prefer3 ,whether to incarnate thy spirit-sight1 ,or in myself to seek my vision's source4-- ,i am convinced ,i could not find it thus4 ,i can withdraw to deep retreats of soul ,and find delight in wide-flung spirit-worlds3 ,i can be lost to all the world of sense ,and follow colour-wonders with mine eye ,and watch creative energies at work1 ,if ,i am left with mine own soul alone4 ,whate'er may thus befall me ,i am not ,thereby impelled to my creative art4 ,but if ,i follow thee to cosmic heights1 ,and in warm rapture live again what thou ,already hast in spirit there beheld1 ,then in my spirit-sight ,i feel a fire ,which burns on in me also1 and whose flames ,kindle the powers that drive me to my work4 ,if my desire were simply to relate ,that which ,i can find out in higher worlds1 ,then with my soul ,i well might upward soar ,to spheres where spirit unto spirit speaks4 ,but as an artist ,i must find that fire ,which lights the picture and inflames the heart4 ,and my soul cannot to my picture give ,the magic warmth that streams through human hearts1 ,till it can quench its thirst with spirit-truths ,revealed from out the depths of thine own heart4 ,how primal force by longing is condensed1 ,how powers creative blaze with spirit-light1 ,and1 sensing even then their need of man1 ,display themselves as gods in earliest times1 ,all this1 my friend1 thy soul in noble speech ,hath often led me on to learn unseen4 ,in hues ethereal of the spirit-world ,i sought to densify what hid from sight2 ,and felt how colours longed to see themselves ,mirrored as spirit in the souls of men4 ,so doth my friend's soul speak as if 'twere mine ,out of my pictures to the human heart4 ,,maria3 ,bethink1 ,johannes1 how the ,one ,soul must-- ,a personality apart from all-- ,evolve from out the womb of time4 ,love serves to knit together separate souls ,not kill their individuality4 ,the moment is upon us1 when we twain ,must test our souls1 and find the spirit-path ,that each must follow for its separate good4 7,exit47 ,,johannes3 ,what meant my friend8 ,her words did sound so strange4 ,maria1 ,i must follow thee forthwith4 7,the three ,spirit-,figures of the soul-powers appear with the ,other ,philia47 ,,luna3 ,thou canst not find thyself ,portrayed in other souls4 ,the power of thine own self ,must root in cosmic soil1 ,if from the spirit-heights ,thou wouldst indeed transplant ,their beauty to earth's depths4 ,be bold to be thyself1 ,that thou1 strong souled1 mayst give ,thyself to cosmic powers--a willing sacrifice4 ,,astrid3 ,in all thy ways on earth ,thou must not lose thyself2 ,mankind doth not attain ,to sun-kissed distances ,if he would rob himself of personality4 ,so then prepare thyself1 ,press on through earthly love ,to utmost depths of heart ,which ripen cosmic love4 ,,the ,,other ,,philia3 ,o heed the sisters not2 ,they lead thee far astray ,to cosmic distances1 ,and rob thee of earth's touch4 ,they do not understand ,that earthly love bears trace ,of cosmic love itself4 ,in cold their natures dwell ,and warmth flies from their powers4 ,they fain would lure mankind ,from out his own soul depths ,to cold and lofty worlds4 ,curtain3 ,johannes1 ,philia1 ,astrid1 ,luna1 and the ,other ,philia still standing ,,scene #d ,the same room as in ,scene #a4 ,capesius and ,strader4 ,,capesius 7to ,strader who is entering73 ,a hearty welcome to the friend whose tongue ,with many a disputatious argument ,stoutly withstood me6 ',tis long time since ,thou crossed this threshold4 ,yet in earlier days ,thou wast my constant welcome visitor4 ,,strader3 ,alas ,i have not had the time to spare2 ,my life hath undergone a curious change4 ,no longer do ,i plague my weary brain ,with hopeless problems4 ,now ,i dedicate ,the knowledge ,i have won to honest work1 ,such as may serve some useful end in life4 ,,capesius3 ,thou meanest that thou hast given up thy quest8 ,,strader3 ,say rather1 that it hath abandoned me4 ,,capesius3 ,and what may be thy present labours' goal8 ,,strader3 ,there are no goals in life ordained for man ,which he may see and clearly understand4 ,it is a mighty engine by whose wheels ,we are caught up and wearied1 and cast out ,into the darkness when our strength is spent4 ,,capesius3 ,i knew thee in the days when eagerly ,and undismayed thou didst set out to solve ,the riddle of existence4 ,i have learned ,how thou didst see thy treasured knowledge sink ,into the bottomless abyss1 and how ,thy soul1 profoundly shaken1 had to drain ,the bitter cup of disappointed dreams4 ,but never for one moment did ,i think ,that thou couldst drive the impulse from thy heart ,which had become so fully master there4 ,,strader3 ,thou hast but to recall a certain day ,on which a seeress by her truthful speech ,made clear to me the error of my ways4 ,i had no choice but to acknowledge then ,that thought1 however hard it toil and strive1 ,can never reach the fountain-head of life4 ,for thought cannot do otherwise than err ,if it be so that highest wisdom's light ,can be revealed to that dark power of soul ,of which that woman showed herself possessed4 ,the rules of science cannot ever lead ,to such a revelation2 that is plain4 ,had this been all1 and had ,i only met ,this one defeat whilst following my quest1 ,i do believe ,i could have brought myself ,to start afresh by striving to unite ,my methods with those other different ones4 ,but when it further was made evident ,that some peculiar spirit-faculty1 ,a mere hallucination as ,i deemed1 ,could transform trance into creative power1 ,hope disappeared1 and left me in despair4 ,dost thou recall the painter1 that young man ,we both encountered whilst he was engrossed ,following the dubious course of spirit-ways8 ,after such buffetings from fate ,i lived ,for many weeks benumbed1 to madness nigh4 ,and when by nature's aid ,i was at last ,restored to sense1 ,i made a firm resolve ,to meddle with such seeking never more4 ,long1 long it was before ,i had regained ,my body's health2 and 'twas a joyless time4 ,i made myself proficient in those things ,that lead to business and to normal life4 ,so now ,i am a factory manager1 ,where screws are made4 ,this is the work ,i thank ,for many hours in which ,i can forget ,my bitter sufferings in a futile quest4 ,,capesius3 ,i must confess ,i scarce can recognize ,my friend of former days2 so different ,is now the guise in which he shows himself4 ,beside those hours of which thou spak'st just now ,were there not others full of storm and stress1 ,in which the ancient conflicts were renewed ,that urged thee forth from this benumbing life8 ,,strader3 ,i am not spared those hours in mine own soul ,when impotence 'gainst impotence doth strive4 ,and fate hath not so willed it in my case ,that rosy beams of hope should force their way ,into my heart1 and leave assurance there ,that this my present life is not an utter loss4 ,renunciation is henceforth my goal4 ,yet may the force which such a task requires ,endow me later on with faculty ,to follow up my quest in other ways4 7,aside47 ,if this terrestrial life repeats itself4 ,,capesius3 ,thou spak'st1--if ,i indeed have heard aright1-- ,of repetition of thy life on earth4 ,then hast thou really won this fateful truth1 ,found it on spirit-journeys1 which today ,thou none the less condemnst as dubious8 ,,strader3 ,this is the way once travelled by thyself ,to that conviction which hath given me strength ,to make a new beginning of my life4 ,i sought upon my sick-bed once for all ,in comprehensive survey to embrace ,the field of knowledge traversed by myself4 ,and this ,i did1 ere seeking other aims4 ,i must have asked myself an hundred times ,what we can learn from nature1 and infer ,from what we know at present of her laws4 ,i could not find a loophole for escape4 ,the repetition of our earthly life ,cannot and must not be denied by thought ,that doth not wish to tear itself away ,from all research hath found for ages past4 ,,capesius3 ,could ,i have had one such experience ,then should ,i have been spared much bitter pain4 ,i sought through many a weary wakeful night ,for liberating thoughts to set me free4 ,,strader3 ,and yet it was this spirit lightning-flash ,which robbed me of my last remaining powers4 ,the strongest impulse of my soul hath been ,ever to seek for evidence in life ,of what my thought hath forced on me as truth4 ,so it befell1 as if by chance1 that ,i ,e'en in those days of misery should prove1 ,and by my own life testify the truth1 ,that cruel truth with all that it involves3 ,which is1 that all our sorrows and our joys ,are but results of what we really are4 ,aye6 this is often very hard to bear4 ,,capesius3 ,incredible seems such experience4 ,what can there be to overshadow truth1 ,for which we search unwearying1 and which ,unto our spirit firm assurance gives4 ,,strader3 ,for thee it may be so1 but not for me4 ,thou art acquainted with my curious life4 ,by chance it seemed my parents' plans were crossed4 ,their purpose was to make a monk of me2 ,and naught so hurt them1 they have often said1 ,in all their life as my apostasy4 ,i bore all this1 yea and much more besides2 ,just as one bears the other things in life ,so long as birth and death appear the bounds ,appointed for our earthly pilgrimage4 ,so too my later life and all the hopes ,that came to naught1 to me a picture seemed ,that only by itself could be explained4 ,would that the day had never dawned1 on which ,i altered those convictions that ,i held1 ,for--bear in mind--,i have not yet confessed ,the total burden laid on me by fate4 ,no child was ,i of those who would have made ,a monk of me1 but an adopted son ,chosen by them when but a few days old4 ,my own real parents ,i have never known1 ,but was a stranger in my very home4 ,nor less estranged have ,i remained from all ,that happened round me in my later life4 ,and now my thought compels me to look back ,unto those days of long ago1 and see ,how from myself ,i stole the world away4 ,for thought is linked with thought to make a chain3 ,a man to whom it hath been thus ordained ,to be a stranger in the world1 before ,his consciousness had ever dawned in him1 ,this man hath willed this fate upon himself ,ere he could will as consequence of thought4 ,and since ,i stay that which ,i was at first ,i know without the shadow of a doubt ,that all unknowing ,i am in the power ,of forces that control my destiny ,and that will not reveal themselves to me4 ,do ,i need more to give me cruel proof ,how many veils enshroud mine inmost self8 ,without false thirst for knowledge1 judge this now2 ,hath my new truth revealed the light to me8 ,it hath1 at any rate1 brought certainty ,that ,i in mine uncertainty must stay4 ,thus it portrays to me my destiny ,and like in its own way1 is my reply1 ,half anguish and half bitter mockery4 ,a fearful sense of horror on me grew4 ,tortured by scorn ,i must confront my life2 ,and scoffing at the mockery of fate ,i yielded to the darkness4 ,yet there stayed ,one single thought which ,i could realize3 ,do with me what thou wilt1 thou life-machine2 ,i am not curious how thy cog-wheels work6 ,,capesius3 ,the man whom ,i have recognized in thee ,in such condition cannot long remain1 ,bereft of ,knowledge1 even if he would4 ,already ,i can see the days approach ,when we shall both be other than we are4 ,the curtain falls1 leaving them standing opposite one another ,,scene #e ,a mountain glade1 in which is situated ,felix ,balde's solitary cottage4 ,evening4 ,dame ,felicia ,balde1 ,capesius1 then ,felix ,balde2 later on ,johannes and his ,double2 afterwards ,lucifer and ,ahriman4 ,dame ,felicia is seated on a bench in front of her cottage4 ,,capesius 7arriving1 approaches her73 ,i know an old friend will not ask in vain ,for leave to stay and rest awhile with thee2 ,since now1 e'en more than any former time1 ,he needs what in thine house so oft he found4 ,,felicia3 ,when thou wast still far off thy wearied step ,told me the tale which now thine eyes repeat2 ,that sorrow dwelleth in thy soul today4 ,,capesius 7who has seated himself73 ,even aforetime 'twas not granted me ,to bring much merriment into thy home2 ,but special patience must ,i crave today ,when1 heavy-hearted and of peace bereft1 ,i force my way unto the home of peace4 ,,felicia3 ,we were right glad to see thee in the days ,when scarce another man came near this house4 ,and thou art still our friend1 despite events ,that came between us1 e'en though many now ,are glad to seek us in this lonely glade4 ,,capesius3 ,the tale is true then which hath reached mine ears1 ,that thy dear ,felix1 so reserved of yore1 ,is nowadays a man much visited8 ,,felicia3 ',tis so2 good ,felix used to shut us off ,from everyone--2 but now the people throng ,to question him1 and he must answer them4 ,his duty bids him lead this novel life4 ,in former days he cared not to impart1 ,save to his inner self1 the secret lore ,concerning spirit-deeds and nature's powers ,by rock and forest unto him revealed4 ,nor did men seem to value it before4 ,how great a change hath now come o'er the times6 ,for many men now lend a willing ear ,to what they counted folly in the past1 ,greedy for wisdom1 ,felix can reveal4 ,and when my dear good husband has to talk 7,felix ,balde comes out of the house47 ,hour upon hour on end1 as oft he doth1 ,i long for those old days of which ,i spake4 ,how oft would ,felix earnestly declare ,that in the quiet heart enshrined1 the soul ,must learn to treasure up the spirit-gifts ,from worlds divine in mercy sent to her4 ,he held it treachery to that high speech ,of spirit1 to reveal it to an ear ,that was but open to the world of sense4 ,,felix3 ,felicia cannot reconcile herself ,to this much altered fashion of our life4 ,as she regrets the loneliness of old1 ,so she deplores the many days that pass ,in which we have but few hours for ourselves4 ,,capesius3 ,what made thee welcome strangers to a house ,that shut them out so sternly heretofore8 ,,felix3 ,the spirit-voice which speaks within my heart ,bade me of yore be silent2 ,i obeyed4 ,now that it bids me speak ,i show myself ,equally faithful unto its command4 ,our human nature undergoes a change ,as earth's existence gradually evolves4 ,now are we very near an epoch's close4 ,and spirit-knowledge therefore must in part ,be now reveald unto every man ,who chooseth to receive it to himself4 ,i know how little what ,i have to tell ,is in agreement with man's current thought2 ,the spirit-life1 they say1 must be made known1 ,in strict and logical thought sequences1 ,and men deny all logic to my words4 ,true science on a firm foundation based1 ,cannot1 they say1 regard me otherwise1 ,than as a visionary soul who seeks ,a solitary road to wisdom's seat1 ,and knows no more of science than of art4 ,yet not a few declare it worth their while ,the tangle of my language to explore ,because therein from time to time is found ,something of worth1 to reason not opposed4 ,i am a man into whose heart must flow1 ,untouched by art1 each vision he may see4 ,nought know ,i of a knowledge lacking words4 ,when ,i retreat within mine inmost heart ,and also when ,i list to nature's voice ,then such a knowledge wakes to life in me ,as hath no need to seek for any words2 ,speech is to it as intimately linked ,as is his body's sheath to man on earth2 ,and knowledge such as this1 which in this wise ,reveals itself to us from spirit-worlds1 ,can be of service even unto those ,who understand it not4 ,and so it is ,that every man is free to come to me ,who will attend to what ,i have to say4 ,many are led by curiosity ,and other trivial reasons to my door4 ,i know that this is so1 but also know ,that though the souls of just such men as these ,are not this moment living for the light1 ,yet in them have been planted seeds of good ,which will not fail to ripen in due time4 ,,capesius3 ,let me1 ,i pray thee1 freely speak my mind4 ,i have admired thee now these many years2 ,yet up till now ,i have not grasped the sense ,which underlies thy strange mysterious words4 ,,felix3 ,it surely will unfold itself to thee2 ,for with a lofty spirit dost thou strive ,and noble heart1 and so the time must come ,when thou thyself shalt hear the voice of truth4 ,thou dost not mark how full of rich content ,man1 as the image of the cosmos1 is4 ,his head doth mirror heaven's very self1 ,the spirits of the spheres work through his limbs1 ,and in his breast earth-beings hold their sway4 ,to all of these opposed1 in all their might ,appear the demons1 natives of the ,moon1 ,whose lot it is to cross those beings' aims4 ,the human being who before us stands1 ,the soul through which we learn to feel desire1 ,the spirit who illuminates our path3 ,all these1 full many gods have worked to mould ,throughout the ages of eternity2 ,and this their purpose was3 to join in one1 ,forces proceeding out of all the worlds ,which should1 in combination1 make mankind4 ,,capesius3 ,thy words come near to causing me alarm1 ,for they regard mankind as nothing else ,than product of divine activities4 ,,felix3 ,and so a man who sets himself to learn ,true spirit science must be meek indeed4 ,and he who1 arrogant and vain1 desires ,to gain nought else than knowledge of himself2 ,for him the gates of wisdom open not4 ,,capesius3 ,once more1 no doubt1 will ,dame ,felicia ,come to mine aid1 as she so oft hath done1 ,and make a picture for my seeking soul1 ,which1 being warmed thereat1 may rightly grasp ,the real true meaning in thy words contained4 ,,felicia3 ,dear ,felix oft hath told me in the past ,the very words which now he spake to thee4 ,they freed a vision in mine heart1 which ,i ,did promise1 then and there1 ,i must relate ,some day to thee4 ,,capesius3 ,oh do so1 dearest dame2 ,i sorely crave refreshment1 such as thou1 ,out of thy picture-storehouse canst provide4 ,,felicia3 ,so be it then4 ,there once did live a boy1 ,the only child of needy forest-folk1 ,who grew up in the woodland solitudes2 ,few souls he knew beside his parents twain4 ,his build was slender1 and his skin well-nigh ,transparent2 marvels of the spirit hid ,deep in his eye2 long could one gaze therein4 ,and though few human beings ever came ,into the circle of his daily life1 ,the lad was well befriended none the less4 ,when golden sunshine bathed the neighbouring hills1 ,with thoughtful eyes he drew the spirit-gold ,into his soul1 until his heart became ,kin to the morning glory of the sun4 ,but when the morning sunshine could not break ,through dense dark banks of cloud1 and heaviness ,lay on the hills around1 his eye grew sad1 ,and sorrow took possession of his heart4 ,thus his attention only centred on ,the spirit-fabric of his narrow world1 ,a world that seemed as much a part of him ,as did his limbs and body4 ,woodlands all ,and trees and flowers he felt to be his friends2 ,from crown and calyx and from tops of trees1 ,the spirit beings spake full oft to him1 ,and all their whisperings were lucid speech4 ,marvels and wonders of the hidden worlds ,disclosed themselves unto the boy when he ,held converse in his soul with many things ,by men deemed lifeless4 ,evening often fell1 ,and still the boy would be away from home1 ,and cause his loving parents much distress4 ,at such times he was at a place near by ,in which a spring rose gushing from the rocks1 ,to fall in misty spray upon the stones4 ,when silver moonbeams would reflect themselves1 ,a miracle of colour and of light1 ,full in the rush of hasting waterdrops1 ,the boy could spend beside the rock-born spring ,hour after hour1 till spirit-shapes appeared ,before the vision of the youthful seer ,where moonbeams shivered on the falling drops4 ,they grew to be three forms in woman's shape1 ,who spoke to him about those things in which ,his yearning soul made known its interest4 ,and when upon a gentle summer night ,the lad was once more sitting by the spring1 ,a myriad particles one woman took ,from out the coloured web of waterdrops ,and to the second woman handed them4 ,she fashioned from the watery particles ,a gleaming chalice with a silver sheen ,and handed it in turn unto the third4 ,she filled the vessel with the silver rays ,of moonlight and then gave it to the boy1 ,who had beheld all this with inner sight4 ,during the night which followed this event ,he dreamed a dream in which he saw himself ,robbed of this chalice by some dragon wild4 ,after this night had passed1 the boy beheld ,but three times more the marvel of the stream4 ,then the three women stayed away from him ,although he sat and mused beside the spring ,that gushed beneath the moonlight from the rock4 ,and when three times three hundred sixty weeks ,had passed1 the boy had long become a man1 ,and left home1 parents1 and his woodland nook ,to live in some strange city4 ,there one eve ,he sat and thought1 tired with the day's hard toil1 ,musing on what life held in store for him1 ,when suddenly he felt himself caught up ,and set again beside that rock-bound spring2 ,the women three1 he there beheld once more1 ,and this time clearly he could hear them speak4 ,these were the words the first one spake to him3 ',think of me always whensoe'er thou art ,o'ercome by loneliness1 for ,i am she ,who lures the inner vision of mankind ,to starry realms and heavenly distances4 ,and whosoever wills to feel my sway ,to him ,i give a draught of life and hope ,out of the magic goblet which ,i hold4' ,the second also spake these words to him3 ',forget me not at times when thou art nigh ,to losing courage on life's battlefield4 ,i lead men's yearning hearts to depths of soul ,and also up to lofty spirit-heights4 ,and whosoever seeks his powers from me1 ,for him ,i forge unwavering faith in life ,shaped by the magic hammer which ,i wield4' ,the third one gave her message in these words3 ',lift up thy spirit's eye to gaze on me ,when by life's riddles thou art overwhelmed4 ',tis ,i who spin the threads of thought that lead ,through labyrinths of life and depths of soul4 ,and whosoever puts his trust in me ,for him ,i weave the rays of living love ,upon this magic loom at which ,i sit4' ,thus it befell the man1 and in the night ,that followed on his vision he did dream1 ,how that a dragon wild in circles crept ,round him1 but was not able to draw near4 ,he was protected from that dragon's claws ,by those same beings whom he saw of old ,seated beside the spring among the rocks1 ,who had gone with him1 when he left his home1 ,to guard him in his strange environment4 ,,capesius3 ,accept my thanks1 dear dame1 before ,i go1 ,for this rich treasure thou hast given me4 7,stands up and departs2 ,felix and ,dame ,felicia go into the house47 ,,capesius 7alone and at some distance73 ,i feel the health that such a picture brings ,into my soul1 and how to all my thoughts ,it can restore the forces they had lost4 ,simple the tale unfolded by the dame1 ,and yet it rouseth powers of thought in me ,that carry me away to worlds unknown4444 ,therefore will ,i in this fair solitude ,myself to dreams abandon1 which so oft ,have sought to usher thoughts into my soul1 ,thoughts which have proved themselves of higher worth ,than many a fruit of weeks of close research4 7,he disappears behind some thick bushes4 ,enter ,johannes1 sunk in deep thought47 ,,johannes ,,to ,,himself3 ,was this some dream1 or was it truth indeed8 ,i cannot bear the words my friend just spake ,in calm serenity and yet so firm ,about our separation which must come4 ,would ,i might think it was but worldly sense1 ,that sets itself against the spirit's trend1 ,and1 like a mirage1 stands between us twain4 ,i cannot1 and ,i will not let the words ,of warning which ,maria spake to me ,thus quench the sounding voice of mine own soul ,which says ',i love her1' says it night and day4 ,out of the fountain of my love alone ,springs that activity for which ,i crave4 ,what value hath my impulse to create ,or yet my outlook on high spirit-aims ,if they would rob me of that very light ,which can alone irradiate myself8 ,in this illumination must ,i live1 ,and if it is to be withdrawn from me ,then shall my choice be death for evermore4 ,i feel my forces fail me at this hour ,as soon as ,i would set myself to think2 ,it must be that ,i wander o'er a path ,whereon her light sheds not its radiant beam4 ,a mist begins to form before mine eyes ,which shrouds the marvels o'er1 which used to make ,these woods1 these cliffs a glory to mine eyes1-- ,a fearful dream mounts from abysmal depths-- ,which shakes me through and through with fear and dread-- ,o get thee gone from me2--,i yearn to be ,alone to dream my individual dreams2 ,in them at least ,i still can fight and strive ,to win back that which now seems lost to me4 ,he will not go2--then will ,i fly from him4 7,he feels as if he were rooted to the ground47 ,what are the bonds that hold me prisoner ,and chain me1 as with fetters1 to this place8 7,the ,double of ,johannes ,thomasius appears47 ,ah6--whosoe'er thou art2 if human blood ,doth course within thy veins1 or if thou art ,some spirit only--leave me and depart4 ,who is it8--,here some demon brings to me ,my own self's likeness1--he will not depart2-- ,it is the picture of my very self ,and seems to be more powerful than that self4-- ,,double3 ,maria1 ,i do love thee2--beating heart ,and fevered blood are mine when at thy side4 ,and when thine eye meets mine1 my pulse doth thrill ,with passion's tremor3 when thy dearest hand ,doth nestle in mine own1 my body swoons ,with rapture and delight4 ,,johannes3 ,thou phantom ghost1 ,of mist and fog compact1 how dost thou dare ,to utter blasphemy and so malign ,the purest feelings of my heart4 ,how great ,a load of guilt must ,i have laid on me1 ,that ,i must be compelled to look upon ,such lust--befouled distortion of that love ,that is to me so holy4 ,,double3 ,i have lent ,full oft unto thy words a listening ear4 ,i seemed to draw them up into my soul ,as 'twere some message from the spirit-world4 ,but more than any scene thy words disclosed ,i loved to have thy body close to mine4 ,and when thou spakst of soul-paths ,i was filled ,with rapture that went leaping through my veins4 7,the voice of conscience speaks47 ,,conscience3 ,this is the unconfessed ,but not yet dispossessed ,apparently repressed ,still by the blood possessed ,the hidden lure ,of sexual power4 ,,double 7with a slightly different voice73 ,i have no power to go away from thee2 ,oft wilt thou find me standing by thy side2 ,i leave thee not till thou hast found the power ,which makes of me the very counterpart ,of that pure being which thou shalt become4 ,as yet thou hast not reached that high estate4 ,in the illusion of thy personal self ,thou thinkst mistakenly that thou art he4 7,enter ,lucifer and ,ahriman47 ,,lucifer3 ,o man1 o'ercome thyself4 ,o man1 deliver me4 ,thou hast defeated me ,in thy soul's highest realm2 ,but ,i am bound to thee ,in thine own being's depth4 ,me shalt thou ever find ,across thy path in life ,if thou wouldst strive to shield ,all of thyself from me4 ,o man1 o'ercome thyself1 ,o man1 deliver me4 ,,ahriman3 ,o man1 be bold and dare4 ,o man1 experience me4 ,thou hast availed to win ,to spirit seership here1 ,but ,i must spoil for thee ,the longing of thy heart4 ,still must thou suffer oft ,deep agony of soul1 ,if thou dost not consent ,to make use of my powers4 ,o man be bold and dare4 ,o man1 experience me4 7,lucifer and ,ahriman vanish2 the ,double also4 ,johannes walks1 deep in thought1 into the dark recesses of the forest4 ,capesius appears again4 ,he has1 from his post behind the bushes1 watched the scene between ,johannes and the ,double as if it were a vision47 ,,capesius3 ,what have ,i seen and heard6 ,it lay on me ,just like some nightmare4 ,came ,thomasius ,walking like one who is absorbed in thought2 ,then he stood still2 it seemed as if he talked ,with someone1 and yet no one else was there4 ,i felt o'ercome as by some deadly fear2 ,and saw no more of what went on around4 ,as if ,i were asleep1 and unaware1 ,i must have sunk into yon picture-world ,which ,i can now so clearly call to mind4 ,it can indeed have been but little time ,i sat and dreamed1 unconscious of myself2 ,and yet1 how rich was yonder world of dreams1 ,what strange impressions doth it make on me4 ,persons were there who lived in bygone days1 ,i plainly saw them move and heard them speak4 ,i dreamed about a spirit-brotherhood ,which strove with steadfast purpose to attain ,unto the heights which crown humanity4 ,among them ,i could clearly see myself1 ,and all that happened was familiar too4 ,a dream 4441 yet most unnerving was that dream4 ,i know that in this life ,i certainly ,can ne'er have learned to know the like of it4 ,and each impression that it leaves behind ,reacts like very life upon my soul4 ,those pictures draw me with resistless power4442 ,o if ,i could but dream that dream again4 ,curtain1 whilst ,capesius remains standing ,the following four scenes represent events taking place during the first third of the ,x,i,vth century4 ,their contents will show what ,capesius1 ,thomasius1 and ,maria saw on looking back at their last incarnation4 ,,scene #f ,a woodland meadow4 ,in the background1 high cliffs on which stands a castle4 ,summer evening4 ,countryfolk2 ,simon1 the ,jew2 ,thomas1 the ,master miner2 the ,monk4 ,countryfolk walking across the meadow1 and stopping to talk4 ,,first ,,countryman3 ,see yon vile ,jew2 he surely will not dare ,to take the same road that we take ourselves2 ,for things might very well come to his ears ,on hearing which they'd burn for many a day4 ,,second ,,countryman3 ,we must make clear to his effrontery1 ,aye1 very clear indeed1 that we no more ,will tolerate his race in our good land ,across whose bounds he hath contrived to slink4 ,,first ,,countrywoman3 ,he is protected by the noble knights ,who live up in yon castle2 none of us ,may enter it2 the ,jew is welcome there4 ,for he doth do whate'er the knights desire4 ,,third ,,countryman3 ',tis very hard to know who serves the ,lord ,and who the devil4 ,thankful should we be ,to our good lords who give us food and work4 ,what should we be if it were not for them8 ,,second ,,countrywoman3 ,the ,jew shall have my praise2 his remedies ,have cured me of the evil sickness that ,i had4 ,besides1 he was so good and kind to me4 ,and many more can tell the selfsame tale4 ,,third ,,countrywoman3 ,yet did a monk let slip the truth to me1-- ,the devil's remedies the ,jew employs4 ,beware his drugs2 transformed within the blood ,they grant an entrance to all kinds of sin4 ,,fourth ,,countryman3 ,the men who wait upon the knights oppose ,our ancient customs1 saying that the ,jew ,hath stores of knowledge both to heal and bless ,which will in days to come be rightly prized4 ,,fifth ,,countryman3 ,new times and better are in store2 ,i see ,their coming in my spirit1 when my soul ,pictures to me what eyes cannot behold4 ,the knights intend to bring all this about4 ,,fourth ,,countrywoman3 ,we owe the ,church obedience1 for she guards ,our souls from devil-visions1 and from death1 ,and from hell-fire4 ,the monks bid us beware ,the knights1 and their vile sorcerer1 the ,jew4 ,,fifth ,,countrywoman3 ,only a short time longer need we bear ,in patience the oppression of the knights4 ,soon will their citadel in ruins lie4 ,thus hath it been foretold me in a dream4 ,,sixth ,,countrywoman3 ,i fear such tales betoken mortal sin-- ,that noble knights do plot to bring us harm-- ,nought do ,i see but good come from their hands2 ,i needs must count them ,christians1 as ourselves4 ,,sixth ,,countryman3 ,what men shall think of them in days to come ',twere best to leave to be adjudged by those ,who shall live after us4 ,mere tools are we1 ,used by the knights in their satanic arts ,to war against true ,christianity4 ,if they be driven out we shall be freed ,from their pernicious sway1 and live our lives ,as we shall choose1 in this our native land4 ,now let us go to vespers1 there to find ,that which our souls require1 and that which is ,in harmony with our ancestral ways4 ,these novel teachings suit us not at all4 7,exeunt the countryfolk47 7,simon1 the ,jew1 enters from the wood47 ,,simon3 ,where'er ,i go1 ,i find awaiting me ,the ancient hatred and the bitter taunts4 ,and yet ,i suffer not a whit the less ,each time ,i find myself exposed to them4 ,there seems to be no reasonable cause ,why people should behave toward me thus4 ,and yet one thought pursues me evermore ,which makes the truth apparent to my soul1 ,that nothing can befall us without cause4 ,so too a reason there must be for this1 ,that suffering is the lot of all my tribe4 ,so with the lords of yonder citadel1 ,i find their lot is near akin to mine4 ,they have but chosen of their own free will ,that which by nature is imposed on me4 ,they set themselves apart from all mankind1 ,and strive in isolation to acquire ,the powers through which they may attain their goal4 ,thus can ,i feel the debt ,i owe to fate ,and find her blessing in my loneliness4 ,forced to rely on my own soul alone ,i took the realms of science for my field4 ,and recognized from what ,i learned therein ,that ripe for new attainments was our time4 ,the laws of nature1 hitherto unknown1 ,must now reveal themselves unto mankind ,and make him master of the world of sense ,whence he will be allowed to liberate ,powers he can put to use for his own ends4 ,so have ,i tried1 as far as in me lay1 ,to make fresh progress in the healing art4 ,this toil endeared me to the brotherhood4 ,its members made me free of their estates ,to seek to find the forces that reside ,in plants and 'neath the surface of the ground1 ,that they may yield for us new benefits4 ,my actions therefore march with their designs1 ,and ,i confess that ,i have plucked with joy ,much goodly fruit whilst going on my way4 7,exit into the wood47 ,thomas1 the ,master miner1 enters from the wood4 ,enter the ,monk47 ,,thomas3 ,here will ,i sit and rest a little while4 ,my soul hath need of rest to find itself ,after the shocks which ,i have had to bear4 7,the ,monk comes up to him47 ,,monk3 ,i greet thee heartily1 most valiant son4 ,thou hast come here in search of solitude4 ,thy work well done1 thou wouldst have peace and quiet ,in which to turn thy thoughts to spirit-worlds4 ,to see my well-loved pupil thus employed ,rejoiceth me4 ,but why so sad thine eyes8 ',twould seem anxiety weighs down your soul4 ,,thomas3 ,pain oft is neighbour unto highest bliss2 ,that this is so my own life proves today4 ,,monk3 ,hast thou then met with bliss and pain at once8 ,,thomas3 ,i told thee1 reverend father1 that ,i loved ,the mountain-warden's daughter1 and confessed ,that she was also greatly drawn to me4 ,she is to marry me and share my life4 ,,monk3 ,she will be true to thee1 come weal1 come woe2 ,she is a faithful daughter of the ,church4 ,,thomas3 ,such an one only would ,i take to wife2 ,since1 honoured master1 ,i have learned from thee ,the meaning of obedience to ,god's will4 ,,monk3 ,and art thou also certain of thy soul1 ,that it will walk still further in the way ,of righteousness1 which ,i have pointed out8 ,,thomas3 ,so sure as in this body beats a heart1 ,so sure will ,i1 thy son1 be true for aye ,to those exalted teachings which of old ,from thine own lips ,i was allowed to learn4 ,,monk3 ,and now that thou hast told me of thy bliss ,let me hear also from thee of thy woe4 ,,thomas3 ,oft have ,i told thee what my life hath been4 ,scarce had ,i left my childhood's days behind ,than ,i began to travel and to roam4 ,i never worked for long in any place4 ,ever ,i cherished in my heart the wish ,to meet my father1 whom ,i loved1 although ,i had not heard a good report of him4 ,he left my dear good mother all alone ,because he wished to start his life anew ,unhampered by a wife and children twain4 ,the impulse for adventure dwelt in him4 ,i was a child still1 when he went from us4 ,my sister was a tiny new-born babe4 ,my mother died of grief in no long time4 ,my sister was adopted by good folk ,who later moved away from my old home4 ,and of her fate ,i never more heard tell4 ,some relatives assisted me to learn ,a miner's work1 in which ,i expert grew1 ,so that ,i found employment where ,i wished4 ,the hope that some day ,i should once more find ,my father1 never vanished from my heart4 ,and now my hope at last is realized ,but also is for ever torn from me4 ,matters of business led me yesterday ,to seek for speech with my superior4 ,thou knowst how lightly ,i esteem the knight ,who issueth the directions for my work ,since ,i have learned thou art his enemy4 ,from that time forward ,i made up my mind ,not to remain in service under him4 ,for reasons which remain unknown to me ,the knight alluded in our interview ,to matters which allowed him to declare ,himself to be--the father whom ,i sought4 ,what followed 444 ,i would gladly leave untold4 ,it would not have been hard to overlook ,my mother's sufferings at his hands1 and mine1 ,when he and ,i once more stood face to face1 ,and when he spoke1 grief-burdened1 of old days4 ,but in his form1 stood facing me1 thy foe4 ,and one thing then was manifest to me3-- ,how deep a gulf must ever separate ,myself from him1 whom ,i so fain would love1 ,and whom ,i sought so long and ardently4 ,now have ,i lost him for the second time1 ,such is the lot that hath befallen me4 ,,monk3 ,i would not e'er estrange thee from those ties ,imposed on thee by blood-relationship4 ,but what ,i can bestow upon thy soul ,shall ever be to thee a gift of love4 ,curtain ,,scene #g ,a chamber in the castle whose exterior was shown in the preceding scene4 ,decorated throughout with symbols of a ,mystic ,brotherhood4 7,for costumes1 see note on page #ade47 ,columns1 arches1 and vaulted roof with the mystic symbols shown in the ,author's ',occult ,symbols4' ,first the ,knights assemble2 then the ,monk and one of the ,knights2 later appears the spirit of ,benedictus who has passed away about fifty years earlier4 ,then ,lucifer and ,ahriman4 ,the ,grand ,master seated with four ,brothers at a long table4 ,,grand ,,master3 ,ye who are joined with me in comradeship ,to seek the goal appointed unto man1 ,and bring that knowledge from the spirit-realm ,into the scope of earth's activities1 ,as is appointed to our brotherhood1 ,must also truly help me in this hour ,when heavy trials impend4 ,then1 know ye all ,that since our venerated master fell1 ,a victim by the ,powers of ,darkness claimed1 ,who draw their strength from ,evil1 helping on ,the plan of ,wisdom by their natural means1 ,that is by means of ,opposition's strength1 ,since ,wisdom turneth ,evil into ,good3 ,since that sad loss we strive on earth in vain1 ,for many a castle of our brotherhood ,hath by our enemies been overwhelmed1 ,and many brothers dear to us have fallen ,in fight1 and followed our great ,master home ,into the realm of everlasting light4 ,for us too doth the hour approach apace ,when these stout walls that shelter us shall fall4 ,our foes already spy the country round ,to find a pretext under which they may ,rob us of our possessions1 ne'er acquired ,for our own use1 but as a means to draw ,around us individuals1 in whose souls ,we could implant the germs of things to come4 ,these germs shall ripen when those men themselves ,find their way back from out the spirit-land ,to live anew in future days on earth4 ,,first ,,master ,,of ,,ceremonies3 ,that this our brotherhood should be o'erthrown ,by some obscure design of destiny1 ,is something nowise inconceivable4 ,but that the fall of our community ,should doom so many brothers' single lives1 ,would seem to contravene the cosmic law4 ,i do not wish my words to make complaint1 ,since willingly our brothers suffer death4 ,but still my soul desires to comprehend ,the sacrifice demanded from these men ,who have allied themselves unto a whole1 ,because the powers of destiny decree ,the overthrow and ruin of that whole4 ,,grand ,,master3 ,the separate life of individual men ,is linked most wisely to the world's design4 ,amongst our brothers there will surely be ,some who have given proof of competence ,to serve our brotherhood with their soul's power ,and yet whose nature still shows many a stain4 ,the errors and misdeeds of such a heart ,must find their expiation in the pain ,suffered by it in service for the whole ,and he who1 blameless both in act and deed1 ,must none the less walk in the thorny way ,traced by the ,karma of the brotherhood1 ,will find his pain requited by the power ,to mount aloft unto the higher life4 ,,first ,,master ,,of ,,ceremonies3 ,so then the brotherhood may tolerate ,within its ranks souls not yet purified ,who vow themselves to its exalted aims8 ,,grand ,,master3 ,he who to lofty works is dedicate ,doth mark alone the goodness in men's souls2 ,he lets the evil work its ransom out ,as cosmic justice in its course decides4 ,my brothers1 ,i have bid you meet me here ,in order to remind you with grave words ,that we have duties in our days of grief4 ,we must be ready to lay down our lives ,for those high purposes to which we swore ,lifelong allegiance4 ,ye then are indeed ,my brothers1 if undauntedly your souls ,repeat the motto of our brotherhood3 ',both separateness and life must be forsworn ,by those who would set eyes on spirit-goals ,through occult senses unto them revealed2 ,who dare to let the spirit's will pour down ,and flood their individual purposes4' ,,first ,,preceptor3 ,exalted ,master1 shouldst thou deign to test ,the heart of each man in our brotherhood1 ,it would repeat that motto loud and clear6-- ,yet do we beg thee to explain to us ,why1 not content with robbing us of life ,and our possessions1 now our enemies ,would rob us also of those humble souls ,whom we have tended with unselfish love4 ,for every day affords new evidence ,that not alone compulsion makes our folk ,submit themselves unto our conquerors2 ,but that indeed they too have learned to hate ,the spirit-path which we had shown to them4 ,,grand ,,master3 ,that which we have implanted in men's souls ,may die indeed today2 but these same men1 ,who once have breathed our spirit-radiance1 ,will come again to earth1 and then bestow ,upon the world the fruitage of our work4 ,thus speaks unto my spirit oftentimes ,our mighty leader from the realm of death1 ,when in my quiet hours1 ,i do sink down ,into my soul's deep places1 and arouse ,strength to abide awhile in spirit-lands4 ,then may ,i feel the master's presence near ,and hear his words1 as in the life of sense ,i often heard them4 ,never doth he speak ,about our work as drawing to a close2 ,but only of fulfilment of our aims ,in later days that are to come on earth4 7,exeunt the ,grand ,master and two ,brothers47 ,,first ,,preceptor3 ,he speaks of spirit-worlds in just such words ,as men may speak of villages or towns4444 ,the way in which our loftiest brothers speak ,of other states of life oppresseth me4 ,and yet ,i am devoted fervently ,unto the progress of our earthly aims4 ,,second ,,master ,,of ,,ceremonies3 ,my firm reliance is our master's words4 ,the man who cannot hear with perfect faith ,the tale of spirit and of spirit-worlds1-- ,is nowise lacking in the faculties ,to grasp a revelation of this kind4 ,the things he lacks are of a different mould4 ,he may well guess1 unwilling to admit1 ,that he is conscious of unworthiness ,to be a member of the higher worlds4 ,a soul must be defiled by secret stain ,and eager to deny that they are there1 ,that will not bow before the spirit-lore4 7,exeunt47 7,enter the ,monk2 the ,second ,preceptor enters and steps up to him47 ,,second ,,preceptor3 ,what errand bringeth thee to this our house ,which is for thee the home of enemies8 ,,monk3 ,i must include amongst my friends all those ,who bear the form of men4 ,this is our rule4 ,but hostile thou mayst well esteem the claim ,which ,i1 by duty bound1 must here present4 ,those who are over me have sent me here4 ,and their desire is that the property ,belonging to the ,church1 as by old deeds ,is well attested1 should be given back ,to them without dispute4 ,yon tract of ground ,upon which ye have sunk your mine1 belongs ,in law and equity unto the ,church4 ,the manner in which ye possessed yourselves ,of this estate confers no legal rights4 ,,second ,,preceptor3 ,whether in law we have a right to call ,it ours or no1 would constitute a case ,for legal disputation long drawn out4 ,but certain 'tis that it belongs to us ,if we refer it to a higher law4 ,yon tract of ground was lying lost and waste ,when it was purchased by our brotherhood3 ,not e'en an inkling had ye of the fact ,that far below rich treasure lay concealed4 ,this have we won for human industry4 ,its treasures travel far and wide today ,to distant lands1 to further human weal4 ,and many honest souls are now at work ,in shaft and tunnel underneath the ground ,which in your hands lay waste and desolate4 ,,monk3 ,then it doth not seem fair and right to thee ,to urge upon thy brotherhood the need ,of peaceably accepting our demand ,that so we may regain our property8 ,,second ,,preceptor3 ,since we are not aware of any guilt1 ,but are convinced our cause is wholly just1 ,we can but wait in quiet confidence ,to see if ye are really bent on strife1 ,when as before1 yourselves are in the wrong4 ,,monk3 ,then will ye have to thank your headstrong will ,if we are driven to a sterner course4 ,,second ,,preceptor3 ,the honour of our brotherhood demands ,that only when defeated1 sword in hand1 ,do we allow ourselves to be despoiled4 ,,monk3 ,so be it6 ,now my mission is fulfilled4 ,between us there is no more need of words4 ,will it be possible for me to have ,an audience with thy lord1 who here commands8 ,,second ,,preceptor3 ,the master doubtless will concede thee this2 ,yet wait1 ,i pray three1 for a little while4 ,he cannot at this moment come to thee4 7,exit47 ,,monk3 ,o1 that mine office forceth me to tread ,the halls of this detested brotherhood4 ,turn where they may1 my eyes must contemplate ,sinful devices and satanic spells4 ,almost a horror seizeth hold on me2 ,a crackling and a rumbling fill the air2 ,i feel the powers of ill are gathered round4 7,noises heard47 ,but as my conscience is entirely clear ,i will defy the enemy4 7,noises heard47 ,oh1 this ,is terrible4444 7,the spirit of ,benedictus appears47 ,defend me1 ,saints in ,heaven6 ,,benedictus3 ,collect thyself1 my son4 ,i often came ,to meet thee1 when the fervour of thy prayers ,transported thee unto the spirit-world4 ,take therefore courage in this present hour ,and learn a truth which thou must realize ,if spirit clearness is to hold its sway ,and drive away the darkness from thy soul4 ,,monk3 ,when in my trials ,i prayed to ,heaven for light1 ,and when my supplication winged its way ,to realms celestial1 and won response1 ,thou1 venerated master1 didst appear4 ,thou1 who wast aye our ,order's ornament1 ,the while thou wert amongst us here on earth1 ,and out of higher realms didst speak to me1 ,enlightening my mind and strengthening me4 ,my soul beheld thee with its inner eye1 ,my spirit ear was open to thy words4 ,in this hour also then1 will ,i receive ,the revelation with humility ,which thou shalt cause to flow into my soul4 ,,benedictus3 ,thou art within that brotherhood's abode ,whom thou dost charge with wicked heresies4 ,they seem to hate what we are taught to love ,and hold in honour what we count as sin4 ,our brethren feel themselves in duty bound ,to haste the spirit-brethren's overthrow1 ,and think their action sanctioned by the words ,i spake myself whilst ,i was still on earth4 ,yet do they not imagine that these words ,can only hold the living truth so long ,as they are rightly acted on by those ,who have been my successors in my work4 ,so let those thoughts which ,i once held on earth ,rise up afresh and live within thy soul ,in harmony with needs of newer times4 ,and thus behold this ,order1 which doth seek ,its goal in mystic realms1 as ,i should judge ,and look on it1 if it had been my lot ,to dwell on earth and work with thee today4 ,this brotherhood is vowed to lofty aims4 ,these individuals who have joined its ranks ,have premonitions of the days to come2 ,their leaders see with a prophetic eye ,the fruits that shall grow ripe in future times2 ,science and daily life shall undergo ,a change of form and seek ideals new2 ,and what this brotherhood doth now achieve1 ,whom thou hast lent a hand to persecute1 ,are deeds which serve to bring this change about4 ,alone by peaceful union of the aims ,sought by our brethren and these heretics ,can good be made to blossom on this earth4 ,,monk3 ,this warning1 of which ,i am worthy found1 ,how can ,i act upon it8 ,it departs ,amazingly from all that ,i have held1 ,up to this moment1 to be right and good4 7,ahriman and ,lucifer appear47 ,but other beings now are drawing nigh6 ,why do they come and stand beside thee now8 ,,ahriman3 ,this further message comes from other realms4 ,it cannot seem an easy thing for thee ,thy predecessor's bidding to obey4 ,reflect--he dwells in everlasting bliss4 ,and actions by decree and duty there ,desirable1 may well upon the earth ,lead to confusion at the present time4 ,lift up thine eyes to where he dwells on high ,if thou wouldst seek for comfort from the bliss ,that1 when the latter days of earth draw near1 ,by cosmic spirits is to be bestowed4 ,but if at present thou wouldst act aright1 ,be guided only1 in the choice of paths1 ,by that which reason and the senses teach4 ,thou hast been able clearly to discern ,the sinful ways of yonder brotherhood ,which they would fain keep secret from the world2 ,thus hast thou learned that laws for future life ,can well be framed by souls now steeped in sin6 ,how canst thou wish1 now that thou knowst these things1 ,to live in friendship with the brotherhood8 ,for error is a poor and sterile soil ,where good fruit cannot come to ripening4 ,,lucifer3 ,thy pious mind hath shown the road to thee4 ,it is most true that times and objects change2 ,but none the less 'tis not for heretics ,to trace the paths on which mankind must tread4 ,the error of this spirit-brotherhood ,is dangerous1 because it speaks the truth1 ,and yet expresses it in such a way ,as makes the truth more deadly than a lie4 ,a man who openly avowed he lied ,would have to be bereft of common sense ',ere he could bring himself to such belief ,that men would gladly follow where he led4 ,the spirit-knights indeed are shrewd of mind2 ,they do not fail to speak about the ,christ ,because this name can open every door ,that gives admission to the souls of men4 ,but ever can men easiest be led ,into the service of the ,antichrist ,when in the name of ,christ he is proclaimed4 ,,monk3 ,conflicting voices from the world of souls ,assail mine ears1 as often heretofore1 ,and always with an aim to counteract ,the pious promptings of a mind devout4 ,how shall ,i find the paths that lead to good ,if by the ,powers of ,evil they be praised8 ,almost it seems to me as if indeed4442 ,but no1 such words shall not be thought by me--1 ,the wisdom of my master shall reveal ,the meaning of his words1 so dark to me4 ,,benedictus3 ,i can direct thee to the proper path1 ,if thou wilt let the words which once ,i spake ,on earth possess thee in thine inmost soul4 ,and if thou art resolved to find the life ,that lives within those words upon those planes ,on which thou now canst see me face to face1 ,the proper path shall be made plain to thee4 ,curtain1 while the ,monk1 the ,spirit of ,benedictus1 ,lucifer1 and ,ahriman are still on the stage ,,scene #h ,the same4 ,the ,first ,preceptor2 ,joseph ,keane2 then the ,grand ,master with ,simon2 later the ,first and the ,second ,master of ,ceremonies4 ,joseph ,keane is there first2 the ,preceptor approaches him4 ,,first ,,preceptor3 ,thou didst send word thou wouldst have speech with me4 ,what is the news that thou art come to bring8 ,,joseph ,,keane3 ,most weighty matters both to thee and me4 ,thou knowst the master miner ,thomas here1 ,who renders service to thee8 ,,first ,,preceptor3 ,well ,i know ,the worthy man2 we prize him for his skill1 ,and his subordinates hold him in love4 ,,keane3 ,and dost thou know my child1 ,cecilia1 too8 ,,first ,,preceptor 7moved73 ,it hath so chanced that ,i have seen the maid ,when ,i have met thee with thy family4 ,,keane3 ,it happened that soon after ,thomas came ,he paid us frequent visits in our home4 ,they grew more frequent2 it was evident ,that to ,cecilia his whole heart went out4 ,we did not marvel that this should be so4 ,but1 knowing our girl's nature1 it was long ,ere we could think that she returned his love4 ,her life was well nigh one continuous prayer1 ,and almost all society she shunned4 ,yet ever doth it now appear more clear ,that to this stranger she hath giv'n her heart4 ,and as things are1 we feel ourselves compelled ,not to oppose the wishes of our child2 ,thomas she loves1 and she would marry him4 ,,first ,,preceptor 7with faltering movements73 ,why runs this marriage counter to thy will8 ,,keane3 ,my lord1 there is no need for me to tell ,of my devotion to the brotherhood4 ,my heart would have to bear a heavy load ,if my child's love1 in its entirety1 ,were cast upon the side of those who say ,that you and ,i alike are heretics4 ,the monk who now o'er yonder abbey rules ,close by our home1 and who doth ever seek ,to thwart the mission of the brotherhood1 ,hath won dominion o'er our daughter's soul4 ,as long as she is still beneath my roof ,so long shall ,i too not abandon hope ,that she may yet again retrace the path ,which leads from spirit-darkness unto light4 ,but ,i shall have to give her up for lost ,when she shall have become the wife of one ,who1 like herself1 works for the weal of man ,according to the precepts of that monk4 ,his ,reverence hath had complete success ,in foisting such opinions as he holds ,on ,thomas1 who receives them in full faith4 ,a thrill of terror would run over me ,to hear the curses pour from ,thomas' lips ,whene'er we spake about the brotherhood4 ,,first ,,preceptor3 ,our enemies are many2 if one more ,is added it cannot affect us much4 ,thy words have not yet made it clear to me ,what my concern is with this tale of love4 ,,keane3 ,my lord1 thou seest this packet in mine hand4 ,its contents warrant me to come to thee4 ,my wife and ,i alone have read the lines3 ,none else in these parts knows a word of them4 ,now must they be made known to thee as well-- ,the maid who passeth for our flesh and blood ,is not the offspring of my wife and me4 ,we undertook the training of the child ,when her own mother died4 ,what ,i have still ,to say will make it seem unnecessary1 ,to tell at length how all this came to pass4 ,for long we knew not who her father was2 ,the girl today knows not her parentage4 ,father and mother she beholds in us4 ,and such a state of things might have gone on ,since we do love her as our very own4 ,but some years later than her mother's death ,the papers that ,i hold were brought to us2 ,they make it plain who our child's father is4 ,i cannot tell if he is known to thee4 7,the ,preceptor loses control over himself47 ,but now ,i know--am sure 444 444 that thou art he4 ,there is no need for me to tell thee more4 ,but since it is thy child who is concerned ,i beg thee to extend to me thine aid4 ,united our endeavours may succeed ,to save her from the darkness that impends4 ,,first ,,preceptor3 ,dear ,keane4 ,thou hast been ever true to me1 ,and ,i would fain still further count on thee4 ,neither within nor yet without these walls ,must any in this country ever know ,the truth of my relation to this girl4 ,,keane3 ,my word thereon4 ,i mean no harm to thee2 ,i only beg that thou wilt lend thine aid4 ,,first ,,preceptor3 ,thou dost perceive that at the present time ,i cannot talk with thee at greater length4 ,i pray thee come tomorrow4 ,,keane3 ,i will come4 7,exit47 ,,first ,,preceptor3 ,how cruelly my fate fulfils itself4 ,i left my wife and child in misery1 ,since they seemed hindrances upon the path ,along which vanity did beckon me4 ,it led me on to join this brotherhood4 ,in words of solemn import ,i then vowed ,my service to the cause of human love ,albeit ,i was laden with the guilt ,arising from the opposite of love4 ,the brotherhood's clear vision1 as applied ,to acts and men1 is manifest in me4 ,it welcomed me a brother in its ranks ,and forthwith laid on me its rules severe4 ,to self-examination was ,i led ,and knowledge of myself1 which otherwise ,in other walks of life ,i had not found4 ,and then when1 under ,fate's decree1 my son ,came and dwelt near me1 ,i was fain to think ,that mighty ,powers were merciful to me ,in showing how to expiate my sin4 ,i knew long since that this ,keane's foster-child ,was none else than the daughter whom ,i left4 ,the brotherhood is near its overthrow1 ,each brother resolute to meet his death1 ,convinced that those high purposes will live ,for which he makes his life the sacrifice4 ,but ,i1 alas1 have felt for many days ,i was not worthy of this glorious end4 ,my purpose ever ripened to make known ,my case unto the master1 and to crave ,permission to forsake the brotherhood4 ,i had in mind thenceforward to devote ,my days unto my children1 and so far ,as in this earth-life yet is possible ,to offer penance4 ,but ,i clearly see1 ,that 'twas not filial longing brought my son ,to this same spot to seek his father out1 ,although his good heart made him thus believe4 ,but he was led by forces in the blood ,which drew him to his sister4 ,other ties1 ,blood-born1 were loosened by a father's guilt1 ,or else yon monk had never had the power ,to rob me so entirely of my son4 ,indeed the robbery is so complete1 ,that with the brother will the sister too ,from my paternal longings be estranged4 ,and so nought else remains for me but this1 ,to take immediate measures to ensure ,that they shall know the truth about themselves1 ,and then with resignation to await ,the penance laid upon me by those powers ,who keep the reckoning of our misdeeds4 7,exit47 7,after an interval the ,grand ,master and ,simon enter47 ,,grand ,,master3 ,henceforward ,simon1 in the castle walls ,thou must abide1 for since that lying tale ,was published that thou art a sorcerer1 ,peril awaits thine every step outside4 ,,simon3 ,my heart is sore indeed to find that men ,in ignorance assail a proffered aid ,whose only object is to do them good4 ,,grand ,,master3 ,those who1 by grace of lofty spirit-powers1 ,can turn their gaze upon the souls of men1 ,will see the enemies therein arrayed ,which fight against the nature of the soul4 ,the battle which our mortal foes prepare ,is but an emblem of that greater strife ,waged in the heart incessantly by powers ,which are at enmity amongst themselves4 ,,simon3 ,my lord1 in very truth these words of thine ,arouse an echo in my deepest soul4 ,indeed my nature is not prone to dreams2 ,yet when ,i walk alone through wood and field ,a picture often riseth in my soul ,which with my will ,i can no more control ,than any object which mine eye beholds4 ,a human form appears in front of me ,which fain would grasp my hand in fellowship4 ,such suffering on his features is expressed ,as never yet ,i saw in any face4 ,the greatness and the beauty of this man ,seize firmly hold of all my powers of soul2 ,i fain would sink to earth and humbly bow ,before this messenger from other worlds4 ,next moment like a raging flame1 there comes ,the wildest anger searing through my heart1 ,nor can ,i gain the mastery o'er the power ,that fans the opposition of my soul1 ,and ,i am forced to thrust aside the hand ,which is so lovingly held out to me4 ,so soon as to my senses ,i return ,the radiant form hath vanished from my sight4 ,and thereupon1 when ,i recall in thought ,that which my spirit hath so often seen1 ,before my soul this thought presents itself ,which moves me to the bottom of my heart4 ,i feel myself attracted by thy lore1 ,in which a ,spirit-being is revealed ,descending from the ,kingdom of the ,sun1 ,to take a human form upon ,himself1 ,in order to disclose ,himself to men4 ,i cannot keep the glowing beauty out ,that pours upon me from thy noble lore1 ,and yet my soul will not assent thereto4 ,the primal form of our humanity ,in thy great ,spirit-being ,i admit2 ,but still my individual self rebels ,when ,i would turn to him in faith and love4 ,so must ,i ever wage an inward war ,the archetype of every outer strife4 ,in sore distress1 ,i seek in vain a clue ,to solve the riddle of my life and fate3 ,how comes it that ,i understand so well ,and yet that ,i in no wise can believe ,the things thy noble teachings do reveal8 ,i follow thine example faithfully1 ,yet find myself opposed at every point ,to this example's goal and origin4 ,and when ,i must thus recognize myself1 ,a flood of doubt o'erwhelms my falt'ring faith ,that in this life ,i may yet find myself4 ,nay1 worse than this1 the dread doth haunt me oft ,that this bewilderment of doubt may run ,through all the lives that ,i shall live on earth4 ,,grand ,,master3 ,the picture1 which thou sawest1 my good friend1 ,before my spirit stood out strong and clear ,whilst thou didst paint it in those vivid words2 ,and as thou didst speak further1 then it grew ,in breadth before mine eyes until ,i saw ,how cosmic aims are linked to human fate4 7,exeunt47 7,after an interval1 the two ,masters of ,ceremonies enter47 ,,first ,,master ,,of ,,ceremonies3 ,dear brother1 ,i must openly confess ,that our ,grand ,master's clemency exceeds ,my comprehension1 when ,i needs must see ,what bitter wrong our foes inflict on us4 ,although they will not study what we teach ,they scruple not to paint us in men's eyes ,as heretics and messengers from hell4 ,,second ,,master ,,of ,,ceremonies3 ,his clemency from our own teaching flows4 ,can we proclaim life's highest aim to be ,to understand the soul of every man1 ,and then misunderstand our foes ourselves8 ,there are amongst them many men indeed ,who follow in the footsteps of the ,christ4 ,yet even from the souls of such as these ,the essence of our teachings must be veiled1 ,though they should hear them with the outer ear4 ,remember1 brother1 how reluctantly1 ,and with what inner conflict1 thou wast led ,to grant admission to the spirit-voice4 ,we know1 from what the master hath revealed1 ,that future men will see in ,spirit-light ,the lofty ,being of the ,sun1 who trod ,this ,earth once only in a human frame4 ,this revelation we with joy believe ,and gladly follow where our leaders tread4 ,yet but a short time since these weighty words ,were said by him whom we acclaim as ,head3 ',your souls must ripen slowly1 if indeed ,with eyes prophetic ye would see today ,that which the men of later days shall see ,and ye must not imagine1' said our chief1 ',that after passing one initial test ,ye can have sight of things that are to be4 ,when ye shall have attained to certainty ,that all mankind must needs be born again1 ,ye then will have to meet the second test ,which sets your personal illusions free ,to dim the radiance of the ,spirit-light4' ,this solemn warning1 too1 the master gave3 ',ofttimes reflect1 in meditation's hour1 ,how psychic monsters1 of illusion born1 ,beset the path of those who seek the light4 ,who falls their victim may see even there ,human existence where the ,spirit seeks ,to be revealed to ,spirit-light alone4 ,if ye would worthily prepare yourselves ,to recognize1 by help of inner sight1 ,the ,light of ,wisdom streaming from the ,christ1 ,over yourselves ye must keep watch and ward ,lest personal illusion blind you then ,when your souls think that it is furthest off4' ,with this injunction clearly held in view ,we soon shall rid us of the vain belief ,that in these times we can transmit these truths1 ,whose beauty we confess within our souls1 ,in easy manner to posterity4 ,rather must we take comfort from the fact1 ,that we today can meet so many souls ,in whom the seed1 although they know it not1 ,already hath been sown for future lives4 ,this seed can only manifest itself ,in man1 by opposition to those ,powers ,with which it later will ally itself4 ,in all this hatred which pursues us now ,i do but see the seed of future love4 ,,first ,,master ,,of ,,ceremonies3 ,certain it is that highest truth's intent ,can only in such manner be disclosed2 ,yet hard it seems in this our present age ,to shape our lives to follow out its aim4 ,,second ,,master ,,of ,,ceremonies3 ,here too ,i follow out our master's words3 ',it is not granted unto all mankind ,to live ,earth's future stages in advance4 ,but individuals there must ever be ,who can foresee what later days will bring1 ,and who devote their feeling to those ,powers ,which loose all being from its present ties ,to guard it safe for all ,eternity4' ,the curtain falls1 while the two ,masters of ,ceremonies are still in the hall ,,scene #i ,the woodland meadow1 as in ,scene #f4 ,joseph ,keane1 ,dame ,keane1 their daughter ,bertha2 afterwards1 ,countryfolk1 later the ,monk2 finally ,keane's foster-daughter ,cecilia and ,thomas4 ,,bertha3 ,dear mother1 ,i so long to hear the tale ,cecilia often spake of years ago4 ,thou dost know all those fairy-tales to tell ,which father brings back with him from the knights ,when he comes home1 and which with greatest joy ,so many friends are always glad to hear4 ,,keane3 ,the soul can find real treasure in those tales4 ,the gifts which on the spirit they confer ,decay not with the body in the grave ,but bear their fruits in later lives on earth4 ,darkly1 as through a glass1 we glimpse their truth2 ,and from such darkened sight1 our souls can win ,knowledge to serve our needs in daily life4 ,if only folk could realize the store ,of precious gifts our knights have to bestow6 ,cecilia and ,thomas have1 alas1 ,deaf ears at present for such things as these2 ,since they draw wisdom from another source4 ,,bertha3 ,today ,i fain would listen to that tale ,which tells about the ,evil and the ,good4 ,,dame ,,keane3 ,right gladly will ,i tell it thee4 ,attend4 ,once on a time there lived a man who spent ,much time in puzzling over cosmic truths4 ,that which tormented his poor brain the most ,was1 how to learn of ,evil's origin4 ,and to that question he could not reply4 ,the world was made by ,god1 so he would say1 ,and ,god can only have in him the ,good4 ,how then doth ,evil spring from out the ,good8 ,time and again he puzzled over this1 ,but could not find the answer that he sought4 ,now it befell that on a certain day ,this seeker on his travels passed a tree ,that was engaged in converse with an axe4 ,unto the tree the axe did speak these words3 ',that which thou canst not do ,i can achieve1 ,i can fell thee2 but thou canst not fell me4' ,unto the vain axe thus the tree replied3 '',twas but a year ago a man did cleave ,the very wood of which thine haft is made ,out of my body with another axe4' ,and when the man had listened to these words ,a thought was straightway born within his soul ,which he could not set clearly down in words1 ,but which completely answered his demand3 ,how ,evil could originate from ,good4 ,,keane3 ,think on this story1 daughter and thou'lt see1 ,how contemplating nature's mysteries ,may form fresh knowledge in a human head4 ,i know how many things ,i can make clear ,unto myself by spinning out in thought ,the tales by which the knights enlighten us4 ,,bertha3 ,i know ,i am a simple little thing1 ,without ability to understand ,the learned words which clever people use ,in setting forth the science they profess4 ,i have no taste for matters of that kind4 ,whenever ,thomas tells us of his work ,i nearly fall asleep4 ,but ,i could spend ,unnumbered hours in listening to the tales ,which father brings back home on his return ,from visiting the castle1 and wherewith ,he often weaves a story of his own ,as he recounts them to us hour on hour4 7,exeunt47 7,after an interval1 the ,countryfolk come across the meadow47 ,,first ,,countryman3 ,my uncle yesterday came home again4 ,he dwelt a long time in ,bohemia1 ,and earned an honest living in the mines4 ,full many a bit of news he hath to tell ,picked up by him upon his journeyings4 ,excitement and unrest are everywhere4 ,attacks are made upon the ,spirit-,knights4 ,our local brotherhood can not escape2 ,already preparations have been made ,and ere long will this castle be besieged4 ,,second ,,countryman3 ,i hope 'twill not be long 'ere they attack4 ,many amongst us will most certainly ,gladly enlist among the fighting-men2 ,i mean to be among the first myself4 ,,first ,,countrywoman3 ,thou wilt but hurry headlong to thy doom6 ,how can a man be such a witless fool6 ,hast thou forgot how strongly fortified ,the castle is8 ,the battle will be grim4 ,,second ,,countrywoman3 ,it is no business of the countryfolk ,to mix with things they do not understand4 ,yet there are many hereabouts today ,who do naught else but go from place to place ,and fan the embers of revolt and strife4 ,things have already come to such a pass ,that sick folk have to cry in vain for aid4 ,the good man who in former days was wont ,to help so many in sore need1 can now ,no more pass out beyond the castle gates1 ,so cruelly have folk belaboured him4 ,,third ,,countrywoman3 ,of course6 for many people were enraged ,on hearing from what source the sickness came ,that broke out1 all at once1 among our cows4 ,the ,jew brought this upon them by his spells4 ,he only seems to make sick people well ,in order1 by the use of hellish arts1 ,better to serve the ends of evil powers4 ,,third ,,countryman3 ,this fuss about vile heresy is nought1 ,and matters not4 ,the fact is that these folk ,had all they needed1 and nought else to do ,but spend their leisure in abusive talk4 ,a clever judge of human nature then ,devised this silly tale about the ,jew1 ,how he had laid a spell upon our stock4 ,and so from this alone the storm arose4 ,,fourth ,,countryman3 ,i think that every one of you might know ,what wars do mean1 with all their misery4 ,have not our fathers told us all that they ,must needs endure1 when all the countryside ,was overrun by bands of soldiery8 ,,fourth ,,countrywoman3 ,i always said that it would come to pass3 ,their lordships' rule must shortly fade away4 ,already hath a dream revealed to me ,how we can be of service to the troops ,when they arrive to carry out the siege1 ,and take good care of all their creature needs4 ,,fifth ,,countryman3 ,if dreams today are still to be believed1 ,that is a matter we need not discuss4 ,the knights have tried to make us cleverer ,than were our fathers4 ,now they have to learn ,how much our cleverness hath been increased4 ,our fathers let them in2 in our turn we ,shall drive them out4 ,i know the secret tracks ,that yield an entrance to the fortalice4 ,i used to work within it until rage ,drove me away2 now will ,i show the knights ,how we can make their science serve our ends4 ,,fifth ,,countrywoman3 ,he surely hath no good thought in his heart2 ,i trembled as ,i listened to his words4 ,,sixth ,,countryman3 ,in spirit-vision ,i have lately seen ,a traitor leading hostile soldiery ,by secret ways into the castle's keep4 ,,sixth ,,countrywoman3 ,such visions are destructive1 ,i should say4 ,no one who thinks as ,christians ought to think ,but is aware that honesty alone1 ,not treason1 can from evil set us free4 ,,sixth ,,countryman3 ,i let folk talk1 and help as best ,i can4 ,how often do we hear a thing called wrong ,by those who lack the courage in themselves ,to do that very thing4 ,let's go our ways2 ,i see the father coming down the road2 ,we will not interrupt his train of thought4 ,i found no difficulty up till now ,in understanding everything he taught2 ,but in the sermon which he preached today ,he said much that one could not understand4 7,the ,countryfolk go away towards the forest47 7,after an interval the ,monk comes along the meadow path47 ,,monk3 ,it must be that a soul is led astray ,in striving to pursue her natural course4 ,the weakness of my heart alone allowed ,such visions to appear before mine eyes ,as those which ,i beheld within those walls4 ,that they must show themselves to me in strife ,is proof enough how little yet in me ,the psychic forces work in harmony4 ,therefore will ,i address myself anew ,to kindle in myself those potent words ,which bring me light from out the ,spirit-heights4 ,that man alone prefers another road1 ,whom personal illusions have made blind4 ,the soul can only triumph over lies ,by proving herself worthy of the grace ,which ,spirit-light1 outpoured from founts of love1 ,in words of wisdom doth reveal to her4 ,i know that ,i shall find the greatest strength ,which can throw light on what the ,fathers taught4 ,when from the gloom of self's imaginings ,with lowly heart submissive ,i can flee4 7,exit47 7,after an interval there appear on the meadow ,cecilia and ,thomas47 ,,cecilia3 ,dear brother1 when in fervent ecstasy ,of silent prayer my soul did bow herself ,unto the ,fountain of the ,world1 and yearn ,whole-heartedly to be made one therewith1 ,a light before my spirit would appear-- ,with gentle warmth and radiancy aglow2 ,this then transformed itself into a man ,who looked into my face with tender eyes1 ,and spoke to me4 ,these were the vision's words3 ',human delusion left thee once forlorn1 ,and now thou art upborne by human love2 ,wait therefore until longing finds a way ,to bring the seeker safely to thy side4' ,thus spake this human figure oft to me2 ,nor could ,i fathom what the words might mean2 ,and yet a dim foreboding made me glad1 ,that some time they should be fulfilled for me4 ,and then1 beloved brother1 thou didst come1 ,and when ,i first set eyes upon thy face1 ,i felt my senses leave me2 for thou wast ,that human figure's very counterpart4 ,,thomas3 ,dream and foreboding told thee but the truth1 ,indeed 'twas longing guided me to thee4 ,,cecilia3 ,and when thou didst request me as thy wife ,i thought the ,spirit had ordained it so4 ,,thomas3 ,that in good truth the ,spirit's purpose was ,to re-unite us1 clearly may be seen1 ,although we read it not aright at first4 ,as wife and helpmeet1 sent me from above1 ,so didst thou seem to me1 when first we met4 ,and then my long-lost sister did ,i find4 ,,cecilia3 ,and henceforth nothing shall divide us twain4 ,,thomas3 ,yet many obstacles between us rise4 ,thy foster-parents by close ties are bound ,unto the brotherhood which ,i must spurn4 ,,cecilia3 ,they are incarnate love and kindness both2 ,and loyal friendship will they give to thee4 ,,thomas3 ,my creed will separate me from their love4 ,,cecilia3 ,through me you will find out the way to them4 ,,thomas3 ,keane1 the dear fellow1 is so obstinate2 ,he never will see aught but darkness there ,where ,i perceive the very fount of light4 ,in riper years it was first granted me ,to turn my steps toward this light of truth1 ,since all ,i learned of it in childhood's days ,upon my spirit made but little mark2 ,whilst later on1 my every thought was bent ,on scientific knowledge as a means ,to gain a livelihood4 ,when ,i came here ,at last ,i found the teacher and the guide ,who had the power to liberate my soul4 ,the teaching he hath let me listen to ,doth bear the very stamp of truth itself4 ,such is his speech that heart and head alike ,must yield themselves as captives to his words1 ,so full at once of gentleness and good4 ,i took the greatest trouble heretofore ,to understand the other spirit type2 ,and found it could but unto error lead4 ,since it clings only to those spirit-powers ,which may be faithful guides in earthly ways ,but cannot lift one up to higher worlds4 ,how shall ,i therefore ever find the way ,into the hearts of people who believe ,that from this error all salvation springs8 ,,cecilia3 ,i hear thy words1 dear brother1 and they seem ,the product of no peaceful frame of mind4 ,yet 'tis a peaceful scene of former days ,which they have reawakened in my soul4 ',twas one ,good ,friday1 many years ago1 ,i saw the scene of which ,i speak to thee4 ,it happened that upon that day the man ,who wore my brother's features1 said to me3 ',from source divine hath sprung the human soul2 ,it can in death dive down to nature's depths1 ,in time it will set spirit free from death4' ,not until afterwards was ,i aware ,that these words are the motto of our knights4 ,,thomas3 ,alas6 my sister1 that thy lips should speak ,those evil words1 which our opponents take ,as revelation of the highest truth4 ,,cecilia3 ,i have at heart no sympathy at all ,with outward acts committed by the knights2 ,i truly serve the creed that nourished thee4 ,but never could ,i make myself believe ,that men who guide the footsteps of the soul ,by such instruction toward so high a goal ,walk not themselves the path that ,christ hath trod4 ,the ,spirit's pupil am ,i1 staunch and true1 ,and ,i confess that it is my belief ,that on that day1 my brother's spirit strove ,to speak of aims that lead the soul to peace4 ,,thomas3 ,the powers of destiny have not ordained ,peace for the soul1 it seems1 for thee and me2 ,they take our father from us that same hour ,that sees him once again restored to us4 ,,cecilia3 ,my faculties are clouded o'er with pain ,when of our father thus ,i hear thee speak4 ,thy heart would draw thee to his side in love1 ,and yet thou tremblest at the very thought ,of union with him whilst he is alive4 ,thou followest our leader in good faith1 ,yet canst not hear the messages of love ,which his commands so tenderly convey4 ,a dark enigma faceth me2 ,i see ,the goodness of thy heart1 thy steadfast faith1 ,and yet must shudder at the deep abyss ,that yawns so horribly betwixt you twain4 ,and did not hope live on to comfort me1 ,and tell me love is never overcome ,i should lack courage to endure this pain4 ,,thomas3 ,dear sister1 thou hast yet to learn the power ,of thought1 once it hath gripped a human soul4 ,this is no case of son opposing sire2 ,but one thought from another turns away4 ,thought is the sovereign whom my soul obeys2 ,did ,i refuse her homage ,i should be ,in very truth my spirit's murderer4 ,curtain2 ,thomas and ,cecilia still standing in the meadow 7,this closes the vision into the ,x,i,vth ,century and the following is the sequel of the events described in the first five scenes47 ,,scene #aj ,the same landscape as in ,scene #e4 ,,capesius 7waking from the vision which had brought his previous incarnation before his soul73 ,this unfamiliar landscape1 and this seat1 ,a cottage and a wood in front of me6 ,are they familiar8 ,urgently they claim ,familiarity2 yet thy do lie ,upon my nature1 like some heavy weight4 ,they seem like real things4 ,but no2 all this ,is but a picture of soul substance spun4 ,i know how pictures such as these are made ,out of the thirst and longing of the soul4 ,as if awaking from my craving's dream ,from out the spirit-ocean ,i have come-- ,and memory1 dread and shuddering shape1 appears ,to bring to mind these longings of my soul4 ,how burnt my thirst to know the world's design6 ,this longing vain1 of self-denial born1 ,consumed my nature to its very roots4 ,sought ,i existence with impetuous will1 ,then all the world's design did flee from me4 ,a moment1 of eternity methinks1 ,poured out such storms of suffering on my soul ,as only can be felt in life's full course4 ,between me and this craving fear there stood ,that which had brought this fear to life in me4 ,i felt myself embrace the universe ,and all my personality was lost4444 ,but no1 it was not ,i who felt like this1 ,it was another being sprung from me4 ,i saw mankind and all its works evolve ,from cosmic thoughts which rushing fast through ,space1 ,pressed on in eagerness to be revealed4 ,they drew the picture of a living world ,in all its detail spread before my gaze4 ,from my soul-substance did they draw the power ,with which to fashion ,being out of ,thought4 ,and as this world condensed before mine eyes1 ,my personal sense of feeling passed from me4 ,and words resounded from this picture-world1 ,thinking themselves2 and thrust themselves on me4 ,from out life's needs they brought to being things1 ,and gifted them with power from deeds of good4 ,thus they resounded through the breadths of ,space3 ',o man know thou thyself within thy world4' ,then saw ,i one who stood in front of me ,and1 showing me his soul1 displayed mine own4 ,and then the cosmic words went on to say3 ',so long as in the circle of thy life ,thou canst not feel this being close entwined1 ,thou art a dream1 and dost but dream thy life4' ,i could not think in figures clear and plain2 ,i did but see bewildering forces press ,from thought to life1 and from life back to thought-- ,but if my spirit seeks yet further back ,and recollects what ,i beheld before1 ,a living picture stands before my soul1 ,which is not blurred1 as was all else that ,i ,in later moments could experience1 ,but which more plainly sets before my soul ,men's lives and actions with each detail clear4 ,i gaze upon this picture1 and can tell ,what men these are1 and what it is they do2 ,i recognize each soul ,i look upon1 ,although their bodies' shapes are not the same4 ,i look upon all this as though myself ,were then a person living in this world2 ,but none the less with cold unfeeling eye ,i scan a picture that seems life itself4 ,it seems as if its working on my soul ,reserves itself until that later time ,which to my spirit earlier was displayed4 ,within a spirit-brotherhood ,i could ,myself and others clearly recognize2 ,and yet just as a man doth feel a scene ,of bygone days arise from memory's fount1 ,thomas ,i see1 a miner and my son1 ,and forthwith ,i must call to mind that soul1 ,who1 as ,thomasius1 is known to me4 ,the lady whom ,i know as seeress now ,stands there before mine eyes as mine own child4 ,maria1 who befriends ,thomasius1 ,reveals herself to me in monkish garb1 ,and doth condemn the spirit-brotherhood4 ,and ,strader wears the visage of the ,jew4 ,in ,joseph ,keane and in his wife ,i see ,the souls of ,felix and ,felicia4 ,the others' lives lie open to my view ,without concealment2 so too1 doth mine own4 ,but while ,i am engrossed in reading it1 ,the picture fades and disappears from view4 ,and ,i can feel that those soul-elements ,of which that living picture was composed ,themselves are pouring into mine own soul4 ,i feel myself endowed with strength of soul ,in my whole being1 and ,i seem set free ,from all the fetters of the world of sense3 ,my being doth embrace the universe4 ,thus do ,i feel that instant so prolonged ,which ,i was able to live through1 before ,that living picture rose before mine eyes4 ,and now still further backward can ,i look4 ,itself condensing out of cosmic thought ,this forest doth appear before my gaze1 ,this house where ,felix and ,felicia ,so often brought me comfort in distress4 ,now--in the world ,i find myself once more ,from which a moment since ,i felt myself ,removed by vast expanse of time and space4 ,and that which latterly ,i still could see3 ,the picture which disclosed to me myself ,is wafted like some misty fantasy ,o'er all that now ,i feel by means of sense4 ,it is a nightmare1 that oppresseth me2 ,it gropes in deep recesses of my soul2 ,it opens cosmic doors to breadths of ,space4 ,what storm is this that shakes my being's depths1 ,what enters forcibly from cosmic space8 ,a ,,voice 7representing spirit-conscience73 ,feel now what thou hast seen1 ,live o'er what thou hast done ,refreshed from ,being's source2 ,thine own life hast thou dreamed4 ,work out this deed in thee ,with noble spirit-light3 ,regard thy daily task ,with force of spirit-sight4 ,if this thou canst not do1 ,to empty ,nothingness ,thou art for ever doomed4 ,curtain1 before ,capesius has left the stage ,,scene #aa ,the same meditation-chamber as in ,scene #b4 ,maria1 ,ahriman4 ,,ahriman3 ,so ,benedictus spun a cunning web ,of thought1 whose pattern thou hast followed out1 ,and now thou art fast bound in error's toils4 ,thomasius too and e'en ,capesius ,are victims of this same illusion's spell4 ,for at the same time as thine eyes beheld ,this long-past earthly life--so too did theirs4 ,henceforward 'tis in that time thou dost seek ,to find the causes of thy present life2 ,but only error can be error's fruit ,if thou art ready to allow thyself ,to make the path of duty here and now ,depend upon such vain imaginings4 ,that ,benedictus took from thine own brain1 ,and placed these visions in an earlier age1 ,thine own self's knowledge can quite clearly prove4 ,thou sawst people of this present time ,but little changed from those of former days4 ,woman thou sawst as woman1 man as man1 ,and all their attributes were similar2 ,thou canst not therefore any longer doubt ,that what thou didst transfer to time's dim past ,by spirit-vision1 far from being truth ,was but the vain delusion of thy soul4 ,,maria3 ,in thee ,i see the sire of all deceit2 ,yet know ,i too thou oft dost speak the truth4 ,and any one who chose to set aside ,all counsel that might reach him through thy words ,to utmost error soon would fall a prey4 ,and as illusion wears the mask of truth ,the better to ensnare the souls of men1 ,so 'tis but easy for a man to yield ,thereto1 by trying like a coward to slink ,past every place where error might be hid4 ,more than illusion finds the soul in thee2 ,for in the ,spirit of ,deceit doth live ,the force that gives mankind discernment true4 ,i therefore shall oppose thee without fear4 ,thou hast attacked that portion of my soul ,which must at all times keep the most alert4 ,if ,i weigh all the evidence which thou ,in clever calculation hast advanced1 ',twould seem that only pictures from my brain ,have been transferred into an earthly past4 ,yet would ,i ask thee if thy wisdom can ,unlock the door of every earthly age8 ,,ahriman3 ,no beings live in any spirit-realm ,which set themselves to thwart me when ,i seek ,admission into any earthly age4 ,,maria3 ,the lofty ,powers of ,fate have chosen well ,in setting thee to be their enemy4 ,thou dost encourage all thou wouldst restrain4 ,thou bringest freedom to the souls of men ,when thou dost penetrate to their soul-depths4 ,from thee originate the powers of thought ,whence knowledge springs with all its vain deceits ,but which can also guide man to the truth4 ,in ,spirit-land there is but one domain ,where may be forged the sword that bids thee flee ,as soon as thou dost set thine eyes thereon4 ,it is a realm in which the souls of men ,do gather knowledge through their reason's powers1 ,which knowledge they will afterwards transmute ,to ,spirit-wisdom4 ,if ,i have the strength ,to forge the word of truth into that sword1 ,that very moment thou must flee from hence4 ,so hearken well1 thou sire of all deceit2 ,if truth triumphant ,i proclaim to thee-- ,in earthly evolution there are times ,in which the ancient forces slowly die1 ,and dying1 see the growth of newer ones4 ,at such a cyclic point my friends and ,i ,did find ourselves drawn close by spirit-bonds ,whilst seeking out our former lives on earth4 ,true ,spirit-men were working at that time1 ,united in a brotherhood of souls ,whose aims were sought in mysticism's realm4 ,now1 at such seasons certain tendencies ,are carefully implanted in men's souls1 ,which need a long time for full ripening4 ,in their next incarnation1 therefore1 men ,must show strong traces of their previous life4 ,at such times1 many men will be reborn ,in their succeeding lives as men--so too ,women as women often re-appear4 ,at that time also is the interval ,shorter than usual 'twixt two earthly lives4 ,to understand aright these cyclic points ,thou lackest power1 and therefore canst not yet ,survey their growth with eyes from error free4 ,call but to mind the time when last we met ,in temples of that ,spirit-brotherhood3 ,then thou spakest words of flattery1 intent ,to break my inner consciousness of self4 ,i recollect this time2 and draw therefrom ,the force now to oppose myself to thee4 7,ahriman withdraws with reluctant mien4 ,thunder47 ,,maria3 ,defeated he has had to leave the spot ,which ,benedictus hath so often blessed4 ,but unto me hath been made manifest ,how lightly souls may into error fall ,who give themselves unto the ,spirit-voice ,without due heed1 and shun the safer ways4 ,the ,enemy indeed hath mighty power ,life's contradictions to accentuate ,and thus rob souls of their security4 ,he must fall silent when the ,light appears ,that from the fount of ,wisdom issuing ,doth bring full clearness to our spirit-sight4 ,curtain1 while ,maria is still in the room ,,scene #ab ,the same4 ,johannes and ,lucifer4 ,,lucifer3 ,take warning by ,capesius' fate and learn ,what fruits are ripened when a soul attempts ,to penetrate too soon the spirit-world4 ,he knows the words writ in his book of life ,and knows his tasks for many lives to come4 ,but suffering not ordained by destiny ,is wrought by knowledge which hath not the power ,to change itself to deeds in earthly life4 ,the choice that to successful issue leads ,depends upon the ripeness of the will4 ,at every step that he would take in life ,henceforth ,capesius must ask himself3 ,can all my obligations thus be met ,which are the outgrowth of my former lives8 ,so o'er his path a dazzling light is shed1 ,causing his eyes to suffer from the glare ,and giving him no help upon his way4 ,it kills the forces which1 whilst still unknown1 ,are trusty guides for every human soul1 ,and doth not aid the power of careful thought4 ,thus it can only hurt the body's strength ,before the soul hath learned to conquer it4 ,,johannes3 ,i can perceive the error of my life4 ,i stole the soul-powers from my carnal frame ,and proudly carried them to spirit-heights4 ,yet it was not a human being whole ,that thus was carried upward to the light4 ,nought was it but the shadow of a soul1 ,which could but rhapsodize of spirit-realms ,and feel a oneness with creative powers2 ,it wished to live all blissful in the light ,and deeds of light in colour to behold2 ,it fancied that as artist it could paint ,spirit-existence in a world of sense4 ,this form that took its semblance from mine own ,hath shown to me myself with cruel truth4 ,i dreamed of soul-love1 pure and free from stain1 ,whilst passion yet was coursing through my veins4 ,but now mine eyes have seen the earthly road ,which is the real creative force in life4 ,and shows me whither ,i must truly strive4 ,those spirit-pathways which of late ,i trod ,cannot be followed far by such a soul ,as just before its present life on earth ,in ,thomas's body found a fitting home4 ,the fashion of his life must be for me ,the rule by which to seek my present goal4 ,i've striven for attainment here and now ,of things that only later can bear fruit4 ,,lucifer3 ,my light must serve to guide thy further steps ,as it hath done to guide them hitherto4 ,the spirit-path which thou hast sought to tread ,can wed the spirit to the lofty heights1 ,but to thy soul it bringeth nought but gloom4 ,,johannes3 ,what hath a man attained who gives himself ,a soul-less puppet to the spirit-world8 ,e'en at the end of all his earthly days ,he is but that same being which he was1 ,when in earth's primal days his human form ,from out the cosmic womb did first emerge4 ,if to those impulses ,i yield myself ,which1 springing from unfathomed depths of soul1 ,clamour imperiously for life and form1 ,then in me works the universal all4 ,i know not then what drives me on to act2 ,but surely it must be the cosmic will ,which leads me on to its appointed goal4 ,this will must know the wherefore of man's life ,though human knowledge cannot make it plain4 ,that which in perfect manhood it creates ,is vital wealth wherewith to form the soul4 ,to it will ,i surrender1 and no more ,by idle spirit-striving kill it out4 ,,lucifer3 ,myself ,i work in this same cosmic will ,when it flows mightily through human souls1 ,which are but limbs of higher entities ,until they can experience my power4 ,and 'tis my task to make them perfect men ,and fit themselves into the universe4 ,,johannes3 ,i long have thought ,i knew the whole of thee2 ,yet dwelt within me but thy phantom shade ,portrayed there by my visionary dreams4 ,now must ,i feel thee1 live thee by my will2 ,then can ,i overcome thee later on ,if so 'tis written in my destiny4 ,let spirit-knowledge1 that ,i gained too soon1 ,repose henceforth within mine inmost soul ,till impulses in life shall call it forth4 ,with confidence ,i yield me to that will ,that hath more wisdom than the human soul4 7,exit ,johannes with ,lucifer47 ,curtain ,,scene #ac ,the ,temple of the ,sun2 hidden site of the ,mysteries of the ,hierophants2 ,lucifer1 ,ahriman1 the three ,soul-,figures1 ,strader1 ,benedictus1 ,theodosius1 ,romanus1 ,maria4 7,enter first ,lucifer and ,ahriman47 ,,lucifer3 ,the ,lord of ,wishes stands as victor here-- ,he hath been able to o'erpower the soul ,which even in the light of spirit-sun ,still had to feel akin to this our realm4 ,i seized th' auspicious hour in which to cast ,a glamour o'er its vision of the light ,to which in dreams alone it had bowed down4 ,yet all my hopes must forthwith disappear ,that victory is ours in spirit-realms1 ,since thou art worsted1 comrade of my fight4 ,thou wast unable to o'erpower the soul ,which was to bring our labours to their goal4 ,the human soul that gave itself to me ,i can possess and in our kingdom hold ,for short earth-lives alone1 but all in vain2 ,for then ,i must restore it to our foes4 ,to win outright we need the other1 too1 ,that hath withdrawn itself from thy domain4 ,,ahriman3 ,the times are not well suited to my arts1 ,i find no means of access to men's souls4 ,see1 here comes one whom ,i did sorely plague4 ,though ignorant in spirit he draws nigh2 ,for reason doth compel him to push on4 ,so ,i withdraw from him and from this place ,which he can only tread unconsciously4 7,the three ,soul-,figures with ,strader47 ,,philia3 ,with faith's clear power will ,i myself imbue ,and force of living trust will ,i breathe deep1 ,from out the soul's glad striving that the light ,may dawn upon the spirit-slumberer4 ,,astrid3 ,with humble joy of soul will ,i entwine ,that which hath been revealed2 and will condense ,the rays of hope that light in dark may shine2 ,and twilight in the light1 that thus the powers ,may bear aloft the spirit-slumberer4 ,,luna3 ,soul light will ,i make warm1 and will make hard ,the power of love4 ,then shall they daring grow1 ,and shall release themselves1 and mounting up ,endue themselves with weight1 that cosmic loads ,may fall from off the spirit-slumberer ,that his soul's love of light may set him free4 ,,benedictus3 ,my comrades1 ,i have hither summoned you ,who with me seek to find the spirit-light ,that should flow streaming to the souls of men4 ,ye know the nature of the sun of soul2 ,oft doth it shine with fullest noontide glare1 ,and then again like feeble twilight steal ,powerless through mists of visionary dream4 ,and often doth the darkness drive it out4 ,the temple-servants' spirit-gaze must pierce ,to soul depths where there shines with powerful ray1 ,the spirit-light that comes from cosmic heights4 ,then too it must disclose mysterious aims ,that lurk unnoticed in the soul's dark lairs ,intent on shaping man's development4 ,those spirit-beings who from cosmic powers ,bestow the spirit-food on human souls ,are present now within the sacred fane ,to guide this man's soul from the spirit-night ,into the kingdom of the light on high4 ,the sleep of knowledge still envelops him2 ,but spirit-calls already have been heard ,in his soul's depths of which he never knew4 ,that which they spoke deep in his inmost soul ,will shortly find its way to spirit-ears4 ,,theodosius3 ,this soul hath not been able hitherto ,to recognize itself in spirit-light ,that through sense-revelation is outpoured1 ,to show the meaning of all earthly growth4 ,it saw ,god's spirit stripped of nature's guise1 ,and ,nature's self estranged from deity4 ,and so through many lives it had to pass ,and stay a stranger to the sense of life2 ,it could but find alone such carnal tenements ,to carry out its individual work ,as barred it from the cosmos and from man4 ,now in the temple it will earn the power ,to recognize strange ,being as its own1 ,and so be able to attain the force ,that leads out from the labyrinths of thought ,and points the way unto the springs of life4 ,,benedictus3 ,another man strives to the temple's light2 ,though not at once will he approach its doors ,and seek for entrance to this hallowed spot4 ,throughout a life of studious research ,he planted germs of thought in his soul-depths4 ,and so perforce the spirit-light went forth ,to ripen them outside our temple's doors4 ',twas given him to know his present life ,to be the product of a former one ,lived in a time that now hath long gone by4 ,now he can see the errors of that life ,and realize what their result will be1 ,but lacketh power1 those duties to fulfil1 ,which through self-knowledge he can recognize4 ,,romanus3 ,capesius shall1 through the temple's power1 ,learn how a man must1 in a single life1 ,take up a load of duties which demand ,for their entire accomplishment the space ,of many lives of earthly pilgrimage4 ,so casting fear aside he will admit ,that ancient errors with their consequence ,pursue the soul e'en past the gate of death4 ,nor shall he then be vanquished in the fight ,by which the spirit-portals are flung wide ,if eye to eye1 undaunted1 he shall brave ,the ,guardian of the ,threshold of that realm4 ,to him shall by that guardian be revealed ,that none may climb up to the heights of life ,who fears to look on destiny's decrees4 ,his insight will admit with courage then ,that of self-knowledge suffering is the fruit ,for which she knows no words of comforting4 ,will shall become his comrade on the way ,which faceth boldly all that may befall1 ,and1 heartened by a draught from hope's clear spring1 ,endures the pain of widening consciousness4 ,,benedictus3 ,ye have1 my brothers1 at this present hour1-- ,true servants of the temple that ye are1-- ,set forth the ways in ,wisdom's outlines drawn ,by which these two who seek the spirit-truth ,shall have their souls brought to their goal by you4 ,yet other work the temple-service claims4 ,here by our side the ,lord of ,wishes stands2 ,he can be present in this holy place ,because ,johannes' soul unbarred for him ,the gates which he would otherwise find barred4 ,the brother who is our initiate ,lacks for the moment courage to withstand ,with power the words that from the darkness rise4 ,the powers of good can only strengthen him ,when on their opposite they test themselves4 ',twill not be long ere he again appears ,here in this temple1 compassed by our love4 ,yet must his spirit-treasure guarded be ,now that he must descend into the dark4 7,turning to ,lucifer47 ,thee must ,i now address who not for long ,canst occupy the ground where thou dost stand4 ,the temple's power can at the present time ,not yet release ,johannes from thy grasp4 ,in times to come he will be ours again1 ,when those fruits of our sister shall be ripe ,whose blossoms we already see unfold4 7,maria appears47 ,she could behold in bygone earthly lives ,how closely linked ,johannes was to her4 ,he followed after her so long ago ,as in these days when she would fain oppose ,the light whose humble handmaid now she is4 ,when soul-links prove themselves so staunchly true ,as to outlast the spirit's wanderings ,then shall the ,lord of ,wishes find his power ,unable to effect a severance4 ,,lucifer3 ,but ,benedictus' will itself compelled ,johannes' and ,maria's souls to part4 ,and wheresoe'er men from each other part ,there is the field made ready for my power4 ,i ever work for separateness of soul1 ,to set the earth-life free1 and for all time ,to break its servitude to cosmic chains4 ,maria's being1 in monastic garb1 ,turned from its father yonder soul away ,that now is dweller in ,johannes' form4 ,this too hath caused some germs of mine to sprout ,which ,i shall surely bring to ripening4 ,,maria 7turning to ,lucifer73 ,in human nature there are springs of love ,to which thy power can never penetrate4 ,they are unsealed when faults of former lives-- ,a load unwittingly assumed by man1-- ,are in a later life by spirit seen1 ,and by the free-will of self-sacrifice ,transformed to earthly action1 which shall tend ,to bear fruit for the real good of man4 ,the powers of destiny have granted me ,the vision which can penetrate the past2 ,already too have ,i received the signs ,so to direct my free-will sacrifice ,that good may pour therefrom for every soul ,whose thread of life shall have to twine with mine ,throughout the evolution of this earth4 ,i saw how in its earthly frame of yore ,johannes' soul turned from his sire away1 ,and saw the forces that compelled myself ,to make the son repel the father's heart4 ,thus is the father now opposed to me ,to bring to mind my own offence of old4 ,plainly he speaks in cosmic language clear ,whose symbols are the actions of man's life4 ,that which ,i set between the sire and son ,must reappear1 though in another form ,in this my life in which ,johannes' soul ,hath once again been closely knit to mine4 ,the suffering which ,i had to undergo ,in severing ,johannes from myself ,was but my own act's fated consequence4 ,if now my soul is faithful to the light ,which from the spirit-forces comes to it1 ,it will be strengthened by the services ,which it may render to ,capesius ,in this sore stress of his life-pilgrimage4 ,and with such forces1 similarly won1 ,will also learn to see ,johannes' star ,when he1 by fetters of desire misled ,treads not the way illumined by the light4 ,the spirit-vision which hath led me back ,to distant days on earth will teach me now ,how ,i must deal with soul-links at this time ,so that life-powers unconsciously prepared ,shall henceforth work awakened for man's weal4 ,,benedictus3 ,in olden days on earth was formed a knot ,of threads which ,karma spins world-fashioning4 ,three human lives are interwoven there1 ,and now upon this fateful knot there shines ,this holy temple's lofty spirit-light4 ',tis thee1 ,maria1 ,i must now address2 ,of these three souls at this time thou alone ,art present at the place of sacrifice4 ,may this light operate within thyself ,and turn to welfare those creative powers ,which once upon a time thy life-threads wove ,fast in a life-knot with those other two4 ,the father could not in his former life ,his son's heart find2 but now in other scenes ,the spirit-seeker will accompany ,thy friend's self on its way to spirit-land4 ,and thine is now the duty to maintain ,johannes' soul in light by thine own force4 ,once didst thou hold it in so fast a bond ,that it could only blindly follow thee4 ,thou didst then give it back its liberty1 ,when still it clung to thee in fancy fond4 ,but thou shalt once more find it1 when1 self-willed1 ,it wins its individuality4 ,if thy soul to that light holds ever true ,which powers from spirit-realms bestow on thee1 ,johannes' soul will thirst to drink of thine ,e'en where the ,lord of all ,desire holds sway2 ,and through the love which holds it bound to thee ,it will regain the path to light on high4 ,for ever must a living being strive ,through light or darkness1 which hath once beheld ,and known the heights of spirit in its soul4 ,it hath drawn breath from cosmic distances ,of air that pulseth with immortal life1 ,and living raiseth all our human kind ,from its soul depths up to the sunshine's heights4 ,curtain ,,the ,,guardian ,,of ,,the ,,threshold ,,summary ,,of ,,the ,,scenes ,scene #a3 ,the ante-chamber to the rooms of the ,mystic ,league4 ,the reincarnated country folk have been invited to attend a meeting here4 ,scene #b3 ,the same4 ,thomasius is invited to join the league and receive the blessing of the ,rosy ,cross4 ,he declines on the ground that he has undertaken other work inconsistent with the objects of the league4 ,scene #c3 ,the kingdom of ,lucifer4 ,the challenge3 ,lucifer3 ',i mean to fight4' ,benedictus3 ',and fighting serve the gods4' ,scene #d3 ,the house of ,strader and his wife ,theodora4 7,lucifer at work47 ,theodora's painful vision of ,thomasius4 ,scene #e3 ,the house of the ,baldes4 ,strader's vision of his wife ,theodora who has recently died4 ,capesius as a medium4 ,scene #f3 ,the groves of ,lucifer and ,ahriman and their creatures who dance4 ,dame ,balde's fable4 ,scene #g3 ,the ,guardian of the ,threshold4 ,scene #h3 ,the kingdom of ,ahriman4 ,the reincarnated country folk come here unconsciously at night4 ,strader comes consciously4 ,scene #i3 ,the home of ,benedictus1 overlooking a factory town4 ,the law of number4 ,scene #aj3 ,the ,temple of the ,mystic ,league4 ,the admission of ,thomasius and others4 ,,persons1 ,,apparitions1 ,,and ,,events ,the spiritual and psychic experiences of the characters1 sketched in this series of scenic pictures called ',the ,guardian of the ,threshold1' are a continuation of those which appeared before in my life pictures called ',the ,portal of ,initiation' and ',the ,soul's ,probation1' and are supposed to take place about fifteen years later than the occurrences in ',the ,portal of ,initiation4' ,the three plays together form an organic whole4 ,in ',the ,guardian of the ,threshold' the following persons and beings appear3 ,i4 ,representatives of the ,element of ,spirit3 #a4 ,benedictus4 ,leader of the ,temple of the ,sun and the teacher of a number of people who appear in ',the ,guardian of the ,threshold4' #b4 ,hilary ,true-to-,god1 ,grand ,master of the ,mystic ,league1 represented in a former incarnation in ',the ,soul's ,probation' as the ,grand ,master of a ,mystic ,brotherhood4 #c4 ,johannes ,thomasius1 a pupil of ,benedictus1 sometimes called ,johannes and sometimes ,thomasius4 ,,ii4 ,representatives of the ,element of ,sacrifice3 #d4 ,magnus ,bellicosus1 ,preceptor of the ,mystic ,league1 known as ,germanus in ',the ,portal of ,initiation4' #e4 ,albertus ,torquatus1 ,master of the ,ceremonies in the ,mystic ,league1 known as ,theodosius in ',the ,portal of ,initiation4' #f4 ,professor ,capesius4 ,,iii4 ,representatives of the ,element of ,will3 #g4 ,frederick ,trustworthy1 ,master of the ,ceremonies in the ,mystic ,league4 ,the ,reincarnation of the ,second ,master of the ,ceremonies of the ,spirit-,brotherhood in ',the ,soul's ,probation'2 and known as ',romanus' in ',the ,portal of ,initiation4' #h4 ,theodora1 a ,seeress1 in whom the ,element of ,will is changed into a simple gift of prophecy4 #i4 ,doctor ,strader4 ,,iv4 ,the ,representatives of the ,element of ,soul3 #aj4 ,maria1 a pupil of ,benedictus4 #aa4 ,felix ,balde4 #ab4 ,dame ,felicia1 his wife4 ,v4 ,beings from the ,spirit ,world3 ,lucifer4 ,ahriman4 ,,vi4 ,beings of the ,element of ,human ,spirit3 ,the ,double of ,thomasius4 ,the ,soul of ,theodora4 ,the ,guardian of the ,threshold4 ,philia ,the spiritual beings through whose agency the human ,astrid soul forces are connected with the ,cosmos4 ,luna ,the ,other ,philia1 the spiritual being who hinders the union of the soul-powers with the ,cosmos4 ,the ,voice of ,conscience4 ,these spiritual beings are not intended to be allegorical or symbolic1 but realities1 who to spiritual perception are exactly like physical persons4 ,the following persons are the reincarnations of the twelve peasants in ',the ,soul's ,probation'3 #a4 ,ferdinand ,fox4 #b4 ,michael ,nobleman4 #c4 ,bernard ,straight4 #d4 ,francesca ,humble4 #e4 ,mary ,steadfast4 #f4 ,louisa ,fear-,god4 #g4 ,frederick ,clear-,mind4 #h4 ,gasper ,hotspur4 #i4 ,george ,candid4 #aj4 ,mary ,dauntless4 #aa4 ,erminia ,stay-at-,home4 #ab4 ,katharine ,counsel4 ,in ',the ,guardian of the ,threshold' the nature of the reincarnation is not to be regarded as a law holding good generally1 but as something which can only happen at a turning-point of time4 ,hence1 for example1 the incidents of ,scene #h between ,strader and the twelve others are only possible at such a period4 ,the spiritual entities taking part in this play are by no means to be considered as merely allegory or symbol4 ,for any one who recognizes the spiritual world as reality1 the beings there exist1 just as much as physical men in the sense-world1 and as such they may be portrayed4 ,spiritual beings do not have human form1 as they are bound to have upon the stage4 ,if the writer of these psychic incidents in pictures considered these beings to be allegories1 he would not have represented them in the way he has done4 ,the systematic arrangement of the characters into groups 7#c #d7 is not intentional or in the original plan of the play2 it is a result--by way of afterthought--of the incidents1 which are sketched out quite independently1 and fall naturally into such a division4 ,it would never have occurred to the author to include it in the original plan2 but it may be permitted to cite it here as a result4 ,the scheme of stage decoration is in accordance with the planetary signs shown in ,dr4 ,steiner's ,lecture on ,occult ,seals and ,symbols4 ,in ,scene #b1 the walls and furniture1 etc41 are decorated with ,dr4 ,steiner's architectural design for ,jupiter4 ,scene #d is devoted to ,venus4 ,and ,dr4 ,steiner's symbols for the ,sun govern the little wooden hut and all its appurtenances in ,scene #e4 ,to the other scenes no architectural design is applicable4 ,the costumes are as follows3 ,except when officiating as ,hierophant ,benedictus is in black frockcoat and trousers4 ,hilary1 ,bellicosus1 ,torquatus1 and ,trustworthy are in dark frockcoats etc41 except when acting as officers in the ,temple or as leaders in the ,mystic ,league4 ,johannes is in a dark blue velveteen suit1 short coat1 breeches1 and stockings4 ,capesius1 when he is in the soul1 e4g41 in ,scenes #c and #f1 appears quite young1 beardless1 and in flimsy blue and white robes2 at other times in ordinary modern attire4 ,theodora1 modern with a coloured stole4 ,strader1 modern1 short brown jacket2 except in ,scene #d1 where he is in grey lavender4 ,maria1 modern with stole4 ,felix ,balde1 a blue tunic trimmed with fur4 ,felicia ,balde1 modern with stole4 ,lucifer1 flowing crimson and red robes1 long golden hair1 and crowned when on his throne4 ,ahriman in yellow robes4 ,the ,guardian of the ,threshold1 conventional angel with a flaming sword4 ,philia1 ,astrid1 ,luna1 and the ,other ,philia1 flowing muslin robes of many colours1 but ,astrid is in white4 ,the reincarnated male peasants are in frockcoats of very brilliant colour1 crimson1 chocolate1 blue1 etc4 ,the trousers1 coat and waistcoat are always to match4 ,the women are in modern costumes with stoles4 ,see also the notes on the costumes in the two preceding plays4 ,,the ,,guardian ,,of ,,the ,,threshold ,,scene #a ,a hall with a ground tone of indigo blue4 ,the antechamber to the rooms in which a ,mystic ,league carries on its work4 ,in the centre a large door with curtain4 ,on each side of the door two pictures which represent1 beginning from the right of the stage1 the ,prophet ,elijah1 ,john the ,baptist1 ,raphael1 the poet ,novalis4 ,there are present1 in a lively conversation twelve ,persons1 who in one way or another take an interest in the activities of the ,league4 ,beside them3 ,felix ,balde and ,doctor ,strader4 ,,fox3 ,a most unusual summons 'tis indeed1 ,that draws us here together at this time4 ,it comes from men1 who ever hold that they1 ,from all ,earth's other children separate1 ,are honoured with a special spirit-aim4 ,their spirit-eyes shall now1 however1 see ,that in the world's plan they must be bound close ,with men whose spirit is unconsecrate2 ,who face life's fight in their own strength alone4 ,i ne'er felt drawn towards such spirit-ways ,as find their chief resource in secrecy1 ,and only care to hold fast to sound thought1 ,and to the commonsense of human minds4 ,this ,spirit-,league by which we now are called ,means not through this same call that we should be ,initiated in its higher aims4 ,it will thro' mystic dim word-portraiture ,keep us but in the ,temple's outer courts2 ,and use our powers but as the people's voice-- ,a cunning plan to strengthen its own will4 ,so shall we merely be the helpers blind ,of men who from the spirit heights above1 ,look down to lead us on with beckoning hand4 ,they do not hold that we are ready yet ,even to take one step that might lead on ,toward their holy ,temple's treasure-house1 ,or to the spirit-light in which they dwell4 ,when ,i observe the true state of this league ,it seems ,i see but pride and self-deceit ,clothed in a prophet's robe and humble dress4 ,and so 'twere surely best to shun each thing ,that here is offered us in wisdom's garb2 ,that we at any rate may not appear ,to strive without due proof against the work ,which is so highly prized by many men2 ,so would ,i counsel you at first to hear ,what aim this wisdom-teacher hath in view ,and then to follow simple commonsense4 ,who takes such sense as guide within himself ,will not be led astray by tempting lures ,which from the ,mystic ,temple issue forth4 ,,michael ,,nobleman3 ,i do not know1 ,i cannot even guess ,with what strange spirit-gift these men are dowered ,who now desire to find a bridge to us4 ,but still ,i know well several honest men ,within the ranks of this same ,spirit-,league4 ,strictly they guard the secret of the fount ,whence this their knowledge is supposed to come2 ,but that the fountain whence they drink is good1 ,their life and deeds make manifest to all4 ,and all that from their circle issues forth ,bears on its face the mark of truest love4 ,so may we well believe the aim is good ,which leads them in this special way to men1 ,to whom the mystic path is strange and new1 ,but in whose souls the instinct for the truth ,and honest goals of spirit-life find place4 ,,bernard ,,straight3 ,caution would seem to me our duty now4 ,i think the mystics find the time draws nigh ,which brings an ending to their sovereign power4 ,reason will scarcely ask in future times ,what dreams of truth these holy temples had4 ,if this league tells of goals of such a kind ,as have seemed wise to mankind's general thought ,then it were good to join our lot to theirs4 ,yet he had better shun the mystic's robe ,who only seeks to pass the portal by1 ,which1 like some barrier of heavenly light1 ,shuts out his present life from other worlds4 ,for in that world 'twill be of small account ,what value each shall put upon himself4 ,no higher value shall each one receive ,than universal judgment granteth him4 ,,francesca ,,humble3 ,so much that here ,i needs must listen to ,sounds like the words of those poor blinded men ,who cannot see the noble spirit-light ,which streams from every consecrated shrine ,in rays of wisdom to the outer world ,to comfort and to heal the souls of men4 ,he only in whose heart this light doth shine1 ,and pierce with warming glow his inmost soul ,can recognize the true worth of this hour1 ,which opens up the mystic's solemn realm ,even to those who feel themselves too weak ,to reach1 through deep soul struggle1 to the high ,and consecrate abodes of spirit-light4 ,,mary ,,steadfast3 ,many sure signs show plainly much must change ,within those souls who strive to follow close ,this guidance1 in their daily life on earth2 ,but little can be said which goes to prove ,that mystic ways can lead on to those ends ,which bring strong powers into the souls of men4 ,it seems to me that what our time requires ,is leaders1 who by using nature's powers ,can join dexterity to genius1 ,and working thus amidst the things of ,earth ,fulfil their purpose in the world of men4 ,such men do search for roots of spirit-work ,deep in the mother-earth of truth itself1 ,and thus are kept from idle wandering ,along the path away from human health4 ,feeling myself possessed with this idea ,i recognize in doctor ,strader's self ,the powers which for such guidance of the soul ,are better suited than the mystics' are4 ,how long hath man with sorrow had to feel ,that thro' the great inventions of technique ,full many a fetter has been riveted ,on the free spirit-instinct in his soul4 ,but now a hope doth rise within the breast ,whereof none heretofore can e'er have dreamed4 ,in ,strader's workshops we can see1 in small1 ,the working of those wonders1 which1 in great ,shall soon transform the meaning of technique ,and free its shoulders from that heavy load ,which in our day doth weigh on many souls4 ,,strader3 ,indeed such words as these are full of hope ,about my seemingly successful work4 ',tis true there yet remains the bridge to pass ,between experiment and actual use1 ,but still the eye of science up till now ,can only see that it is possible ,that in technique the proof of all things lies4 ,the author of this work may be allowed ,to speak here freely of the hopes he hath ,as to the service it may render man4 ,he begs to be forgiven any words ,that sound vainglorious to the general ear2 ,they only shadow forth the feelings whence ,the strength for this work flows into his soul4 ,we see how in man's daily life on earth ,the workings of emotion and the soul ,disperse and lapse into a soulless state ,the more the spirit masters all the powers ,that it can find within the realm of sense4 ,each day the work grows more mechanical1 ,which makes for worth in life2 and through such work ,man's life itself becomes mechanical4 ,most likely much once held as burdensome ,may now be proved of service to mankind4 ,so that the art and work of cold technique ,may no more lame the soul-life of mankind ,nor prove a hindrance to true spirit-aims4 ,but little was achieved through all this strife ,in which one question only seemed of weight1 ,how man should act towards his fellow-men4 ,i have myself spent many a solemn hour ,in thinking out this riddle of man's life4 ,but ever did ,i find such thought produced ,no fruit of any value for real life4 ,i felt myself draw near the bitter thought ,that cosmic fate hath foreordained the lot ,that victory in this material realm ,must ever be to spirit-paths a foe4 ,release from this bewilderment of thought ,was brought me by a seeming accident4 ,it was my lot to make experiments ,in matters from such questions far removed2 ,when suddenly there flashed across my mind ,a thought which showed me where the right path lay4 ,test followed close on test1 until at last ,such powers were gathered there in front of me1 ,as in their full expression shall some day ,through pure technique that freedom bring to man1 ,in which his soul may find development4 ,no more shall men be forced to dream away ,their whole existence plant-like1 fashioning ,in narrow factory rooms unlovely things4 ,the powers of technique will be so unveiled ,that every man shall have what he may need ,to keep him in his work1 in his own home ,arranged by him1 as he may think it best4 ,i thought it well to speak first of this hope ,so that it may not seem quite out of place ,to say1 what ,i must say1 about this call ,which now the ,rosicrucian ,brotherhood ,issues to men who stand outside their league4 ',tis only when a human soul unfolds ,and finds its own true being in itself ,that those fine instincts1 which from endless time ,draw spirits each to each1 can have full scope4 ,and therefore1 only he will think aright ,who recognizes that this call conforms ,to signs1 which we have learned to know full well4 ,the brotherhood in future will bestow ,its highest treasures freely on mankind ,because all men must learn to long for them4 ,,felix ,,balde3 ,the words just spoken have been wrung from out ,a soul1 which hath been given to our times ,to grace the realms of sense with life's true worth4 ,and in this field ,i doubt if any one ,with doctor ,strader could compete today4 ,but ,i myself trod very different paths ,to find out what is needful for the soul4 ,so ,i1 too1 beg your leave to speak a word4 ,fate hath made clear to me that ,i must search ,among those treasures1 which disclose themselves ,to every man within his inmost soul4 ,therein ,i seemed to find true wisdom's light ,which can full well illuminate life's worth4 ,the mystic pupilship was given me ,in solitude and contemplation deep4 ,and thus ,i learned that all that makes man lord ,of this strong realm of sense1 doth only serve ,to blind his being1 and condemn mankind ,to search in darkness for the way of life4 ,aye1 e'en those gems of knowledge which the use ,of reason and of sense hath found on earth1 ,are but faint gropings in a darkened realm4 ,i know it is the mystic way alone ,that can direct our steps to life's true light4 ,myself ,i stood upon that path of truth ,as one who strives without a helping hand2 ,but all men cannot struggle thus alone4 ,the knowledge gained by sense and intellect ,seems like a body left without a soul ,when it doth set itself defiantly ,against the light that since ,earth's dawn hath streamed ,from sacred temples of true mystery4 ,ye therefore ought in gratitude to grasp ,the hand that beckons from the ,temple now ,upon whose threshold roses full of light ,girdle significant the sign of death4 ,,louisa ,,fear-,,god3 ,a man who feels the worth of his own soul ,can but rely upon his own ideas1 ,if he desire to know the spirit-worlds ,and find himself therein in very truth4 ,whoe'er can give himself1 with blindfold faith1 ,to outside guidance1 first must lose himself4 ,aye1 e'en that light1 which deep within himself ,a man may feel as highest wisdom's power ,claims spirit-recognition only when ,its truth admits of proof within itself4 ,this light may be a danger to a man ,if he draws near thereto without such proof4 ,for often on this path the soul appears ,but as some picture1 drawn from cosmic depths1 ,springing from out its own unconscious wish4 ,,frederick ,,clear-,,mind3 ,fully to understand the mystic way ,each man must trace its impulse in himself4 ,who1 ere he enters on the search1 doth form ,in his own soul a picture of the goal1 ,whereto that search must lead1 is sure to find ,instead of truth1 delusion's fantasy4 ,for1 we may say1 that each true mystic should ,thus hold himself toward the goal of truth ,as one who from a mountain-top would gaze ,upon the beauty of a distant view4 ,he waits till he has gained the utmost height ,before he tries to picture all the scene ,whereto his pilgrimage hath guided him4 ,,fox3 ,at such a time as this we should not ask ,how men should hold themselves toward the truth4 ,the brethren of the league will not require ,to hear about such things from men like us4 ,it hath indeed already reached mine ears ,that an occurrence of a special sort ,hath forced the league to turn and think of us4 ,thomasius1 who came some years ago ,beneath the influence of a spirit-stream1 ,which set itself to follow mystic aims1 ,hath learned just how to use such forms of thought ,as in our time compel men's confidence1 ,and hang them1 as a mantle1 round that lore ,which should be sacred to initiates4 ,in this way he was able to succeed1 ,and gain approval from both far and near ,for writings which had borrowed logic's garb ,but which1 in fact1 contained but mystic dreams4 ,even inquirers of acknowledged worth ,are with the message of the man inspired ,and so lend colour to his present fame1 ,which grows1 ,i fear1 in dangerous degree4 ,initiates did dread this line of thought ,since it must needs destroy their fixed idea ,that wisdom is their sole prerogative4 ,and so they try to shelter 'neath their wing ,that which ,thomasius is giving forth4 ,indeed1 they wish it to appear as if ,they knew already in the years gone by ,that such a message would just now be sent ,to serve in building up their own great work4 ,if they succeed now at this present time ,in drawing us with craft into their net1 ,they will make clear unto the world at large ,that powers of destiny did wisely send ,thomasius with his message at this time ,so that belief in their significance ,might with the commonsense of man combine4 ,,gasper ,,hotspur3 ,this ,mystic ,league is bold to make the claim ,that it alone must ever guide mankind3 ,it proves thereby what small account it takes ,of all that can be won for man's true weal ,just by sound commonsense1 for we may say ,that 'tis now proved that nature and the soul ,can be explained as things mechanical4 ,and 'tis indeed a check to all free thought ,that doctor ,strader with so clear a brain1 ,should countenance this mystic fallacy4 ,who thus doth master powers mechanical ,should not indeed lack insight1 and we know ,that ere we gain true knowledge of the soul ,all mystic leanings needs must be destroyed4 ,yet this false science1 which ,thomasius ,is giving forth today to all the world1 ,enables e'en extreme sagacity ,to reconcile itself with wildest dreams1 ,when once it falls a victim to that snare4 ,if through strict training in the way of thought1 ,most natural to man1 ,thomasius ,had for this work of his prepared himself1 ,instead of studying the mystic art1 ,he might have plucked full many a noble fruit ,from wisdom's tree through his own inborn gifts4 ,instead of which upon the way he chose ,naught but disastrous error could occur4 ,no doubt the brotherhood may like to think ,such error can be turned to their account4 ,it finds acceptance1 since it seeks to show ,that science now hath giv'n souls strong proof ,of knowledge only found in dreams before4 ,,george ,,candid3 ,that it is possible to speak such words ,as we have just been forced with pain to hear1 ,shows clearly how that insight which flows forth ,from spirit-life hath scarce indeed begun ,to grow at all 'midst all our modern thoughts4 ,turn your eyes backward o'er the flight of time ,and see what things lived in the souls of men ,before the science which is now in flower ,was even able to reveal its seed4 ,then you will find that this same ,mystic ,league ,doth but today fulfil a work which then ,was traced beforehand in the cosmic scheme4 ,we had to wait until ,thomasius ,had finished this great work he had in hand4 ,the way is new by which the spirit-light ,illuminates through him the souls of men4 ,and yet this light did ever work in all ,that men have dared to make upon the ,earth4 ,but where1 then1 was the source of all this light ,which1 tho' souls knew it not1 could shine so clear8 ,we find all signs point to the mystic art1 ,which dwelt in secret consecrated shrines1 ,before mankind let reason be its guide4 ,the ,spirit ,league which now hath called us here ,will gladly let the mystic light stream forth ,on that bold work1 which out of human thought ,strives to perfection in the spirit-world4 ,and we1 who1 in this hour so big with fate1 ,may stay awhile on consecrated ground1 ,shall be the first who1 uninitiate1 ,shall see the torch of ,god from spirit-heights ,leap down into the depths of human souls4 ,,mary ,,dauntless3 ,thomasius1 indeed1 needs not the shield1 ,the ,rose-,cross ,brothers have in mind for him1 ,if in an earnest scientific way ,he can portray the pathway of the soul ,through many earthly lives and spirit-realms4 ,this work hath now revealed the light on high1 ,to which they say the mystic temples lead1 ,e'en unto men who erstwhile had to shun ,the very threshold of such sacred shrines4 ,such recognition doth he well deserve ,as he already hath so richly found ,because he gave that freedom unto thought1 ,which was denied it by the mystic schools4 ,,erminia ,,stay-,,at-,,home3 ,the ,rose-,cross ,brothers can in future live ,but in the recollection of mankind4 ,that which they call for1 at this very time ,will soon gain consciousness of its own power ,and undermine the ,temple's fundaments4 ,they boldly wish to join in future days ,reason and science to their sacred shrine4 ,thomasius1 therefore1 whom so willingly ,they now admit into their ,temple's midst ,will count hereafter as their conqueror4 ,,strader3 ,i have been sorely blamed because ,i think ,that he acts well1 who holds himself prepared ,to further1 in close union with the league1 ,the work which through ,thomasius is fulfilled4 ,one speaker took objection to my views ,and held ,i ought to know how dangerous ,the mystic's true soul-searching may become4 ,i often felt ,i best could understand ,the spirit-way when ,i gave up myself ,completely to the influence binding me ,to mechanisms which ,i made myself4 ,the way in which ,i stood toward my works ,hath shown the meaning of the sacred shrine4 ,and while ,i was at work1 ,i often thought3 ',how do ,i seem to one who only tries ,to understand the working of those powers ,which ,i put into things mechanical8 ,and yet what might ,i be unto a soul ,to whom ,i might reveal myself in love8' ,i have to thank such thoughts as these that now ,the learning which from mystic circles springs ,reveals itself to me in its true light4 ,and so1 though not initiate1 ,i know ,that souls of gods can in the sacred shrine ,reveal themselves in love to human souls4 ,,katharine ,,counsel3 ,the noble words which doctor ,strader speaks ,about the sacred shrines must surely find ,an echo in those souls which stand without ,the gates through which initiates may pass1 ,but yet are counted worthy to receive ,the lore initiates do strive to teach3 ,it is not difficult to understand ,why our forefathers held to the belief ,that mystics were the enemies of light4 ,it even was denied their souls to guess ,what hidden secrets lay within the shrine4 ,all this is changed today4 ,the ,mystic ,light ,is not entirely hid1 but tells the world ,as much as uninitiate folk may know4 ,and many souls1 who have received this light ,and been revived thereby1 have felt forthwith ,a rousing up of soul-powers1 which before ,worked in them1 as in sleep1 unconsciously4 7,three knocks are heard47 ,,felix ,,balde3 ,the owners of this place will soon approach ,and ye will hear what they desire to say4 ,but if ye wish to understand their words ,and to receive through them the light yourselves ,ye must not by pre-judgment blind yourselves4 ,the power of the initiates will now ,prove itself mighty1 wheresoe'er it finds ,good hearts and wills prepared to offer up ,erroneous fancies to the light of truth2 ,but where the will hath grown through error hard ,and thus hath slain the sense of truth itself1 ,this power will there be proved of none effect4 ,,fox3 ,such words as these might be of use to one ,who through self-contemplation did desire ,to find himself within his inmost soul4 ,but at the first appearance of this league ',twere better to hold fast to those reports ,about this kind of spirit-brotherhood1 ,which may be credited historically4 ,from them we see that very many men ,have been enticed into the holy shrine ,by secret words1 which led them to believe ,that in these temples1 step by step1 the soul ,could from the lowliest grades of wisdom rise ,up to the heights where spirit-sight is gained4 ,who followed such inducement soon perceived ,that in the lower grades he could see signs ,whose purport offered him much food for thought4 ,he dared to hope that in the higher grades ,the meaning of these signs would be disclosed1 ,and wisdom be revealed3 but when he reached ,those higher grades himself1 he found instead ,that masters knew but little of those signs ,and did but speak about the world and life-- ,nothing but meaningless and barren words4 ,if he was not deceived by these same words ,nor yet was tricked by their futility1 ,he turned himself away from such pursuits4 ,and so at this time 'tis perhaps of use ,to listen to the judgment of the past ,as well as unto edifying speech4 7,again three knocks are heard47 7,the curtain is drawn back1 and there enter the ,grand ,master of the ,mystic ,league1 ,hilary ,true-to-,god2 after him1 ,magnus ,bellicosus1 the ,second ,preceptor2 ,albertus ,torquatus1 the ,first ,master of the ,ceremonies2 and ,frederick ,trustworthy1 the ,second ,master of the ,ceremonies4 ,the persons who were before assembled group themselves on each side of the hall47 ,,frederick ,,trustworthy3 ,dear friends1 this moment1 when we join us first ,at this our temple's ancient holy gates ,is most significant for you and us4 ,the call which we have given to you now ,was strongly laid upon us by the signs ,which our ,grand ,master could discern full well ,in the wise plan of earth's development4 ,there it is very plainly shadowed forth ,that at this time the service wise and true ,of this our sacred ,temple must unite ,with universal commonsense of man1 ,which seeks for truth far off from mystic paths4 ,yet in the plan were also signs to show ,that ere this consummation could be reached1 ,a man must first arise who understood ,how to bring knowledge1 built on commonsense ,and reason only1 into such a form ,as truly to comprise the spirit-world2 ,this now hath happened4 ,to ,thomasius ,the lot has fallen to produce a work ,based on that very science1 which today ,all men demand4 ,this work in their own tongue ,doth bring full proof of spirit-worth1 which men ,could only find in mystic paths before1 ,and in the temples of initiates4 ,this work will now become the fetter firm ,that you with us unites in spirit-life2 ,through it will ye be able to discern ,how firm the base on which our teaching rests4 ,and through it1 too1 ye will receive the power ,to take from us that knowledge with free will ,which is confined to mystic paths alone ,and so1 in living fruitfulness1 that ,life ,can now unfold itself1 which doth unite ,the universal commonsense of man ,with all the customs of the sacred shrine4 ,,magnus ,,bellicosus3 ,our brother's words have made it clear to you1 ,that we have been induced by solemn signs ,to call you to the ,threshold of our ,shrine4 ,the ,master soon will speak to you and show ,the deeper reasons for thus calling you4 ,but first ,i must1 so far as may be meet1 ,tell you of this great man1 whose work hath made ,our present union possible today4 ,thomasius gave himself to painting's art ,until he felt an inward spirit-call ,to take up science as his work in life4 ,his gifts which were so great and so unique ,within the region of the painter's art1 ,were first developed when he passed within ,the spheres devoted to true mystic lore1 ,these led him to the ,master1 and1 through him1 ,he learnt the first steps in that world of truth ,where wisdom teaches spiritual sight4 ,upborne to spirit-heights and thus infilled ,with great creative power1 he painted then ,pictures1 which seem indeed like living men4 ,that which would soon have driven other men ,to strive amain toward the highest goal ,upon the beaten track of art--all this ,was but a fresh incentive to his brain ,to use hard-won success in such a way ,as might prove best for welfare of mankind4 ,he saw full well that spirit-science must ,first find a firm foundation1 and for this ,the sense for science and strict reasoning ,must be released from mania for set form ,through contact with an artist mind1 and gain ,the inward strength to realize the truth ,of world-relationship in life and deed4 ,and so ,thomasius hath offered up1 ,a willing off'ring to humanity1 ,the artist-power1 he might have used himself4 ,o friends1 read ye aright this man's true soul ,and understand the call which now we give ,and hesitate no more to follow it4 ,,hilary ,,true-,,to-,,god3 ,in that same ,spirit's ,name1 which is revealed ,to souls within our sacred shrine1 we come ,to men who until now might never hear ,the word which here doth secretly sound forth4 ,those ,powers which guide the purpose of our ,earth ,could not in its beginning be revealed ,to all humanity in their full light4 ,as in the body of a child1 the powers ,through which it learns to act and use its mind1 ,must gradually ripen1 and grow strong2 ,so must humanity unfold itself ,as one great whole throughout its earthly course4 ,the impulse in the soul which later on ,might worthy prove to gaze on spirit-light ,in higher worlds1 first lived in atrophy4 ,yet in the ,earth's beginning there were sent ,from out the higher kingdoms of real life ,exalted spirit-beings1 who might act ,as wise instructors of humanity4 ,in mystic holy shrines did they employ ,those mighty spirit powers1 which were poured forth ,in secret into souls which could know nought ,of their exalted leaders or their work4 ,then later from the ranks of men themselves ,these masters wise could choose for pupils those ,who by well-tested lives of self-denial ,had proved that they were ripe to be ordained ,into the mystic aims and wisdom's lore4 ,and when the pupils of those early seers ,could guard in worthy way the good and true1 ,then those sublime instructors turned their steps ,back to their own especial realms of life4 ,these pupils of the gods then chose out men ,who might succeed them in the guardianship ,of spirit-treasures2 and in such a way ,the treasures were passed on from age to age4 ,until the present time all mystic schools1 ,if they are such in truth1 have really sprung ,from that which first was founded from on high4 ,humbly we cherish in this very place ,that which our fathers handed down to us4 ,we do not ever speak about the dues1 ,which through our office we inherited1 ,but only of the favour shown to us ,by those great spirit-powers1 who chose weak men ,as mediators1 and entrusted them ,with treasures which bring forth the spirit-light ,in souls of men3 and 'tis our lot1 dear friends1 ,to open to you now this treasured store4 ,for signs which in the plan of all the worlds ,can clearly be discerned by spirit-eyes ,show most propitious at this very time4 ,,fox3 ,from distant worlds1 it seems1 the reasons come ,which should convince us that 'twere meet that we ,should join ourselves to you1 and in this way ,should be the first to give the impetus ,to this great work ,thomasius gives the world4 ,however grand what thou hast spoken sounds1 ,it cannot drown in hearts of homely men ,the thought that such a work will take effect ,through its own power1 if it should prove to hold ,within itself what souls of men require4 ,if this work prove important1 it will be1 ,not through the things the mystics offer us1 ,but since true science comes to the support ,of spirit-knowledge1 and doth prove it true4 ,if this be really so1 what use is there1 ,if mystic approbation paves the way1 ,and not th' intrinsic merit of the work8 ,,albertus ,,torquatus3 ,the science which is opening on the world ,from such foundations as ,thomasius laid ,will neither gain nor lose through such applause ,as we or ye may choose to render it4 ,and yet thereby a way can now be found ,by which mankind may study mystic lore4 ,it would accomplish only half its work ,if it should show the goal1 but not the road4 ,and now it rests with you to understand ,that now at last the moment hath arrived ,for reason and the mystic path to join2 ,and to the spirit-life of this our world ,to give thereby the power which can but work ,when it reveals itself in season due4 ,curtain ,,scene #b ,the same4 ,the persons who were at first assembled have left1 with the exception of ,felix ,balde and ,dr4 ,strader1 who remain with ,hilary ,true-to-,god1 the ,grand ,master2 ,magnus ,bellicosus1 the ,second ,preceptor2 ,albertus ,torquatus1 the ,first ,master of the ,ceremonies2 ,frederick ,trustworthy1 the ,second ,master of the ,ceremonies2 ,maria2 and ,johannes ,thomasius4 ,,hilary3 ,my son1 what thou hast perfected must now ,within this holy place receive the seal1 ,which sacred and primeval knowledge gives1 ,besides the blessing of the ,rosy ,cross4 ,what thou hast brought the world must be through us ,unto the ,spirit offered1 that it may ,bear fruit in all the worlds1 where power of man ,can be made use of for world-fashioning4 ,,bellicosus3 ,that thou might'st give unto the world this work ,thou had'st to part for many years with much ,that in thine inmost soul thou loved'st best4 ,there stood a spirit-teacher at thy side1 ,who went from thee1 so that thy human soul ,might perfectly unfold its powers in thee4 ,thou wast in closest touch with one dear friend2 ,she also left thee1 for thou had'st to learn ,that which men only learn when they are set ,to follow out their soul's powers in themselves4 ,with courage hast thou passed through this ordeal4 ,that which was taken from thee for thy good ,is1 for thy good1 restored to thee anew4 ,thy friend stands here before thee3 in the shrine ,she waits for thee to follow out our wish4 ,soon1 thou wilt meet thy teacher once again4 ,these friends1 who on our temple's threshold stand1 ,desire to join with us in greeting thee1 ,as one who brings great knowledge here with him4 ,,felix ,,balde 7to ,thomasius73 ,the mystic art which heretofore aspired ,through inward contemplation toward the light1 ,will through thine act be able now to work ,through knowledge gained within the world of sense4 ,,strader 7to ,thomasius73 ,those souls who after spirit-knowledge strive ,while life still unto matter binds them fast1 ,will now through thee find out a road by which ,they can attain the light in their own way4 ,,thomasius3 ,exalted ,master1 and ye1 honoured sirs6 ,ye think to see before you now a man ,who1 through the ,spirit's power and earnest strife1 ,was able to produce the work you praise ,and can acknowledge with your fostering care4 ,ye think that he will certainly succeed ,in reconciling science of today ,with ever-ancient sacred mystic art4 ,and truly were there anything besides ,the voice of mine own soul1 which could instil ,belief about it into me1 ,i think ,it well might be your words4444 ,,trustworthy3 ,the ,master's word ,doth but express that which without a doubt ,thou feelest in thy soul4 ,there is no need ,to strengthen what thine inner voice declares4 ,,thomasius3 ,ah6 were it so1 most humbly would ,i stand ,before you and implore that ,i might gain ,the temple's blessing on this work of mine4 ,i used to think it so1 when first ,i heard ,the word by which ,i came to understand ,that ye would take my work beneath your care ,and open gateways to me1 which before ,only initiates could e'er approach4 ,but as ,i trod the path that led to you ,there opened out upon my soul a world ,to which1 at such a time ye certainly ,would not have wished to lead me4 ,ahriman ,in all his greatness stood before me there4 ,and then ,i saw that he it is in truth ,who is the expert in real cosmic laws4 ,what human beings think they know of him ,is of no value4 ,only he can know ,who once hath seen him in the spirit-world4 ,it was from him alone that ,i could learn ,the truth about this work of mine in full4 ,he showed how in the progress of the world ,one could not judge effects of such a work2 ,since its true progress cannot be appraised ,by those impressions men may form of it ,who judge by science and strict logic's law4 ,the final verdict cannot be pronounced ,till creature from creator is set free1 ,and1 freed from him1 can follow its own path ,throughout the courses of the spirit-life4 ,yet now the work is so bound up with me ,that it is possible that ,i might turn ,that which ,i guide back from the spirit-realms ,to something evil1 even though it were ,good in itself and in its working power4 ,i must myself from out the spirit-world ,send forth afar my influence on all ,which shows itself on ,earth as the result ,of that which ,i have brought forth from my mind4 ,and if ,i should let evil issue forth ,from out the spirit-world1 through these results1 ,then would the truth do damage greater far ,than error1 for men follow after truth ,according to their insight1 error not4 ,i shall for certain at some future time ,turn the results of this my act to ill ,for ,ahriman hath clearly shewn to me ,that these results must all belong to him4 ,while ,i was at my work1 and filled with joy ,that it should lead me with such certain tread ,step after step1 up truth's great pyramid1 ,i only noticed in my soul that part ,which lent itself to help me in my search2 ,and all the rest ,i left without a guard4 ,all those wild impulses1 which formerly ,were but in bud1 could now in quietude ,bloom forth and ripen into full grown fruits4 ,i thought ,i dwelt in highest spirit-realms1 ,but was in truth in deepest night of soul4 ,it was the strength of these same impulses ,which showed me clearly ,ahriman's own realm4 ,and so ,i know the effect that ,i shall have1 ,for in the future all these impulses ,will go to form my personality4 ,before ,i took this work in hand1 ,i gave ,myself to ,lucifer1 because ,i wished ,to learn to know and understand his realm4 ,now know ,i1 what ,i could not see before ,when ,i was lost entirely in my work1 ,that he it was who wove around my thought ,those beauteous pictures1 which within my soul ,brought forth wild impulses1 which silent now ,will surely one day gain control of me4 ,,trustworthy3 ,how can one who hath reached such spirit-heights ,and knows all this for certain1 yet believe ,that he hath no escape from evil left8 ,why1 thou canst see where danger for thee lies2 ,and so canst crush it1 and with courage save ,thyself1 and the results of thy great work3 ,a spirit-pupil is in duty bound ,to kill what hinders progress in himself4 ,,thomasius3 ,i see1 thou judgest not by cosmic laws1 ,i could e'en now fulfil what thou dost wish ,and ,i myself could quite well tell myself ,in this same hour all that thou tellest me4 ,but that which ,karma now doth let me do ,will not in future be permissible4 ,for things must come which will o'ershadow me ,and darken all my spirit1 till ,i turn ,to that which ,i described to thee just now4 ,then as the world progresses ,i will seize ,with greed on anything that's in my work ,which can be used for harm1 and all of this ,i will embody in my spirit-life4 ,then ,i shall have to love great ,ahriman ,and joyfully to his possession give ,all that ,i have derived from earthly life4 7,pause1 during which ,thomasius meditates deeply47 ,if all alone ,i could encounter this1 ,and bear it also in my soul alone1 ,i could await with fullest peace of mind ,all that was destined for me on my way4 ,but it will harm your league as much as me4 ,whatever bad shall follow from my work ,both for myself and other souls of men1 ,will find its balance through just ,karma's law4 ,the fact that ye fell victims to this fault ,makes it far harder for the life of earth1 ,since ye are leaders in this self-same life ,and ought to read the spirit-worlds aright4 ,ye ought not to have failed to notice then ,that it was someone else1 and not myself ,who should have had the doing of this work4 ,ye should have known it must be put aside ,for now2 and later would appear again ,through one who otherwise would guide its course4 ,so by your judgment1 ye deprive the league ,of rights it ought to have1 if it would still ,direct the service of the ,sacred ,place4 ,because this fate for you was shown to me ,i now appear upon your threshold here4 ,knowledge would otherwise have kept me far1 ,for truly ,i can claim no blessing now ,upon this work1 which does both good and harm4 ,,hilary3 ,dear brethren1 that which we have just begun1 ,cannot be carried any further now4 ,we must betake ourselves unto the ,place ,from whence the ,spirit can make known ,his will4 7,hilary leaves the hall with ,bellicosus1 ,torquatus1 and ,trustworthy4 ,doctor ,strader and ,felix ,balde also leave4 ,only ,maria and ,thomasius are left47 7,the hall grows dark4 ,after a short pause the three ,spirit-forms ,philia1 ,astrid1 and ,luna appear in a cloud of light1 and group themselves so that they completely hide ,maria4 ,the following is a spirit-experience of ,thomasius47 ,,philia3 ,the soul is athirst ,to drink of the light ,which flows from the worlds1 ,an all-caring will ,hides close from mankind4 ,but eagerly seeks ,the spirit to hear ,the language divine ,which wisdom in love ,doth hide from the heart4 ,for danger surrounds ,the thoughts that would search ,in realms of the soul1 ,where secret things rule ,the senses from far4 ,,astrid3 ,yet souls are enlarged1 ,which follow the light ,and work through the worlds ,which bold spirit-sight ,reveals to mankind4 ,the spirit doth strive ,enraptured to live ,in realms of the gods ,which wisdom benign ,makes known to the seer4 ,there mysteries beckon ,the bold keen desire ,to win those new worlds ,which far from man's thought ,deep secrets conceal4 ,,luna3 ,it ripens the soul ,to picture the sight ,whence powers will spring forth ,which will1 reft of fear1 ,doth kindle in man4 ,the ransoming powers ,from primeval depths ,bring magical might ,that sense cannot know1 ,close barriered in earth4 ,and traces are there ,that each searching soul ,may find out the gate ,fast closed by the gods ',gainst erring desire4 ,,the ,,voice ,,of ,,conscience 7invisible73 ,now totter thy thoughts ,in ,being's abyss2 ,and what was lent as help to them1 ,thou now hast lost4 ,and what shone as the sun for them ,for thee is quenched4 ,alone in cosmic depths thou wanderest1 ,which men intoxicated with desire ,would seek to win4 ,thou tremblest in the fundaments of growth ,where men must learn to be bereft of all ,comfort of soul4444 7,the last words run straight on into the following ones spoken by ,maria1 who is still hidden by the ,spirit-forms and cannot be seen4 ,she speaks at first in a ghostly inward voice47 ,,maria3 ,so blend thy soul ,to powers of love ,which once could penetrate her with the hope ,of living warmth1 ,which once could all her will illuminate ,with spirit-light4 ,rescue from loneliness ,the powers of heart that seek ,and feel the nearness of thy friend ,in the darkness of thy strife4 7,the ,spirit-forms vanish with the cloud of light4 ,maria becomes visible in her old place4 ,maria and ,thomasius are alone1 standing opposite each other4 ,from now onwards the experiences are on the physical plane47 ,,thomasius 7rousing himself from deep meditation73 ,where was ,i even now8 ,my powers of soul ,unveiled the conflict of my inner-self2 ,the conscience of the world revealed to me ,what ,i had lost2 and then as blessing came ,the voice of ,love within the darksome realm4 ,,maria3 ,johannes1 the companion of thy soul ,may once again be present at thy side1 ,and follow thee to earth's primeval depths1 ,where souls can win perception e'en as gods1 ,by conquest that destroyeth1 yet acquires ,by bold persistence life from seeming death4 ,e'en in the ever empty fields of ice ,she may go with her friend1 where he will be ,encircled with the light which spirits form ,when darkness wounds and maims the powers of life4 ,my friend1 thou standest at that threshold now1 ,where man must lose what once he hath attained4 ,full many a glance thou hast toward spirit-realms ,directed1 and from them hast gained the power ,that made thee capable of thy great work4 ,it seems to thee1 that now that work is lost2 ,desire not then that it were otherwise1 ,for such desire must rob thee of all power ,of further progress into spirit-realms4 ,whether thou walk'st in error or in truth1 ,thou canst keep ever clear the view ahead1 ,which lets thy soul press further on its path ,if thou dost bravely bear necessities ,imposed upon thee by the spirit-realm4 ,this is the law of spirit-pupilship4 ,so long as thou still harbourest the wish ,that what hath happened might be otherwise ,thou wilt forego the power which must be thine1 ,if thou dost wish to stay in spirit-land4 ,that thou hast lost what thou erewhile hadst won ,is surest sign to thee that thou may'st walk ,in safety further on the spirit-path4 ,henceforward thou must not rely upon1 ,if thou in truth regardest it as lost1 ,that understanding which thou hast till now ,well-used as the criterion of thy work4 ,therefore thy being must become quite still ,and wait in silence for the spirit's gifts2 ,then only wilt thou commune with thyself ,when thou once more hast won thyself anew4 ,oft hast thou met the solemn ,guardian ,who on the ,threshold keeps so strict a watch ,when spirit-life must part from world of sense2 ,but past that presence hast thou never been4 ,at sight of him aye didst thou turn away ,and all thy view was pictured from without4444 ,ne'er in that inner world which widens out ,beyond thee as the spirit-verity1 ,have thy steps trod3 so must thou now await ,that which shall be revealed1 when at my side ,thou shalt not only to such world draw nigh1 ,but shalt pass o'er the ,threshold's boundary4 ,curtain ,,scene #c ,in ,lucifer's kingdom4 ,a space which is not enclosed by artificial walls1 but by fantastic forms which resemble plants1 animals1 etc4 ,all in various brilliant shades of red4 ,in the background are arranged three transparencies showing the top of ,raphael's ',disputa1' ,leonardo's ',last ,supper1' and ,raphael's ',school of ,athens4' ,these are illuminated from the back of the stage whenever ,maria or ,benedictus challenges ,lucifer4 ,at other times they are invisible4 ,on the right1 ,lucifer's throne4 ,at first only the souls of ,capesius and ,maria are present4 ,after a time ,lucifer appears1 and later on ,benedictus and ,thomasius1 with his etheric counterpart or 'double1' and lastly1 ,theodora4 ,,maria3 ,thou1 who within the realm of sense art named ,capesius1 ,i wonder why it is ,thou art the being whom ,i meet the first ,in ,lucifer's domain3 'tis dangerous ,when spirits of this place blow round one's head4 ,,capesius 7in astral garb73 ,o speak not to me of ,capesius ,who in the kingdom of the ,earth erewhile ,strove through a life which he hath long since known ,was but a dream4 ,whilst there be bent his mind ,upon such things as ever come to pass ,as time streams on4 ,and he had set himself ,in that way to discover all the powers ,through which mankind fulfils its spirit-life4 ,what thus he came to know about those powers ,he tried to keep deep fastened in his soul4 ,now only in this realm one understands ,to judge aright the knowledge he pursued4 ,he thought the pictures he possessed were true ,and could reveal to him reality2 ,but1 viewed from here1 they clearly show themselves ,as naught but empty dreams1 which ,spirit-hands ,have woven round about weak men of ,earth4 ,they cannot bear the cold clear light of truth4 ,they would be utterly afraid and stunned ,if they should learn how all the course of life ,is turned by spirits after their ideas4 ,,maria3 ,thou speakest as ,i've only heard those speak ,who ne'er have been incarnate on the ,earth4 ,they tell you ,earth hath no significance1 ,that in the universe its work is small4 ,but he who hath belonged to realms of ,earth ,and owes to it the best powers that he hath1 ,will have a different tale to tell thereof4 ,he finds important many threads of fate ,which bind ,earth's life to that of all the worlds4 ,e'en ,lucifer who works here with such power ,must keep his gaze fixed fast upon the ,earth1 ,and seek to turn men's deeds in such a way ,that their results may ripen his own soul4 ,he knows he'd fall a victim to the dark ,if he could find no booty on the ,earth1 ,and so his fate is bound up with that sphere4 ,so too1 with those who dwell in other worlds4 ,and when the human soul can clearly see ,the cosmic goal1 which ,lucifer desires1 ,and can compare with it what those powers wish ,who have him as opponent to their aims1 ,then will she know that he can be destroyed ,through conquests which she gains o'er her own self4 ,,capesius3 ,the human being who here talks with thee ,thinks that fate dreadful1 which compels him now ,to wear a body round him2 which hath yet ,the breath of life and keeps its earthly form1 ,although the spirit hath no more control4 ,at such a time this spirit feels indeed ,that worlds1 he values1 fall at one fierce blow4 ,he feels himself within a prison-house ,narrow and horrible with naught all round4 ,remembrance of the life that he passed through ,seems1 as it were1 extinguished from his soul4 ,at times he feels aware of human souls1 ,but what they say he cannot understand2 ,he only catches some especial words ,which lift themselves from out the general talk1 ,and bring remembrance of the loveliness ,which he can gaze on in the ,spirit-realms4 ,he's in his body then1 and yet is not2 ,and lives within himself a life he fears ,when he beholds it from this region here3 ,and he is longing for the time to come ,when from this body he will be set free4 ,,maria3 ,the body which is proper to ,earth-souls ,bears in itself the means to recreate ,in lofty pictures loveliness sublime3 ,which pictures1 even if their substance now ,seems but a shadow in the human soul1 ,are yet the buds which in the future worlds ,will open out to blossom and to fruit4 ,so through his body man may serve the gods4 ,and his soul's life doth show in its true light ,only when in his body he doth find ,the power to give his ,i reality4 ,,capesius3 ,ah1 utter not that word in front of him ,who stands before thee now in ,spirit-realms ,and on the ,earth is called ,capesius4 ,he fain would flee away when that word sounds1 ,so fierce it burns him here4 ,,maria3 ,so thou dost hate ,that which first gives true being unto men8 ,how canst thou come to live within this realm ,if so appalling seems that word to thee8 ,for no one can arrive as far as this ,who hath not faced the nature of that word4 ,,capesius3 ,he who appears to thee hath often stood ,before great ,lucifer who rules this realm4 ,and ,lucifer hath made it clear to him ,that only souls1 who consciously make use ,of powers that from their earthly bodies come1 ,can harm the realm which doth obey his will4 ,those souls however who go through their life ,within the body1 as it were in swoon1 ,and yet already have clairvoyant power1 ,these only learn in ,lucifer's domain1 ,and cannot cause it harm in any way4 ,,maria3 ,i know that in these realms of ,spirit-life ',tis not by words1 but sight1 that one doth learn4 ,what in this moment ,i have come to see ,because of thine appearance to me here1 ,will later show itself within my soul ,as progress in my spirit-pupilship4 ,,capesius3 ,here 'tis not only teaching that one gains2 ,duties are also shown one in this place4 ,thou hast here spoken with the soul of him ,who calls himself ,capesius on earth4 ,the spirit-glances into former lives ,that are accorded thee1 will show to thee ,thou owest much through ,karma unto him4 ,therefore thou shouldst petition ,lucifer ,that he1 the great ,light-,bearer1 should allow ,capesius to guard thee on the ,earth4 ,thou knowest through thy wisdom well enough ,what thou canst do for him1 so that he may ,be led again to thee in later lives ,so that through thee the debt may be wiped out4 ,,maria3 ,and so this duty which ,i hold so dear ,must be fulfilled through power from ,lucifer8 ,,capesius3 ,thou dost desire this duty to fulfil1 ,and that can only be through ,lucifer4 ,look6 ,here he comes1 the ,spirit of the ,light4 7,lucifer appears and1 in the course of his speech1 ,benedictus47 ,,lucifer3 ,maria1 thou art asking at my throne ,self-knowledge for that very human soul ,who standeth near thee in the life on ,earth4 ,it cannot learn to know itself aright ,except by gazing deep into myself2 ,and that it will achieve without thine aid4 ,how canst thou think that ,i would grant to thee ,all that thou mayst desire for this thy friend8 ,thou namest ,benedictus as thy guide1 ,who is my strong opponent on the ,earth1 ,lending unto mine enemies his strength4 ,already hath he stolen much from me4 ,johannes cut himself adrift from him ,and placed himself beneath my guiding hand4 ,he cannot yet indeed see my true self ,because he hath not yet the seer's full power4 ,he will attain it later through myself1 ,and then he will entirely be mine own4 ,but ,i command thee not to speak a word ,that might apply to him in any way ,so long as thou dost stand before my throne4 ,any such word would burn me in this place4 ,here words are deeds1 and deeds must follow them2 ,but what might follow--from such words of thine-- ,it must not be---- ,,benedictus3 ,thou must give ear to her4 ,for where words have an equal power with deeds ,they come in consequence of former deeds4 ,the deed is done that conquers ,lucifer4 ,maria is my spirit-pupil true4 ,i could direct her to that point1 whence she ,could recognize the highest spirit-task1 ,which same she will most certainly fulfil4 ,and in fulfilling it she will for sure ,build in ,johannes power and balm to heal1 ,which will release him from thy kingdom's grip4 ,maria carries deep within her soul ,a solemn holy vow which doth awake ,such healing powers in progress of the worlds4 ,soon wilt thou hear all this put into words1 ,but if with powerful thought thou wouldst suppress ,and veil the rays of light through which thou gainst ,the magic power to strive against1 and win ,the victory o'er all that selfhood means1 ,i think that then thou'lt glimpse the healing rays1 ,which will in future shine with such a strength ,that they will draw ,johannes to their realm1 ,by their all-powerful love4 ,,maria3 ,johannes soon ,will here appear2 and yet in such a form ,as earthly souls would recognize as theirs1 ,will come that being1 who within the man ,lies hid as dual personality4 ,and if ,johannes could but recognize ,thee as thou seemest to his earthly form ,it could not bring to him all he requires ,to help him in the progress of his soul4 ,thou shalt vouchsafe to him this double now ,for him to use upon those spirit-paths ,o'er which ,i shall in future guide his steps4 ,,lucifer3 ,johannes then must stand before me now4 ,i feel full well the power which comes from thee2 ,it hath opposed me since the ,earth began4 7,enter ,johannes ,thomasius and his ,etheric ,counterpart from different sides of the stage at the same moment1 and meet face to face47 ,,thomasius3 ,o mine own ,likeness1 up till now thou hast ,shown thyself to me only that ,i might ,be frightened at the sight of mine own self4 ,i cannot understand thee much as yet2 ,i only know that thou dost guide my soul4 ',tis thou then who dost baulk me of free life ,and dost prevent me from due cognizance ,of what ,i really am4 ,now must ,i hear ,thee speak in front of ,lucifer1 to see ,what ,i in future years shall yet achieve4 ,,thomasius' ,,double3 ',tis true ,i often was allowed to come ,and bring ,johannes knowledge of himself4 ,but ,i could only work in those soul depths1 ,which still are hidden from his consciousness4 ,my life within him hath for some long time ,been subject to considerable change4 ,maria used to stand close to his side4 ,he thought her bound in spirit to himself2 ,i showed him that the true guides of his soul ,were only passion and impulsiveness4 ,he could but think of this as some reproach1 ,but thou couldst show1 ,o ,light-,bearer sublime1 ,to sensual tendencies the way by which ,they best might serve the spirit-purposes4 ,johannes from ,maria had to part1 ,and give himself forthwith to earnest thought ,which hath the power to purify men's souls4 ,what from his purity of thought streamed forth ,flowed also into me1 and ,i was changed4 ,i felt his purity within myself4 ,nought need he fear from me1 if he should now ,feel once more drawn toward ,maria's soul4 ,but he belongs1 as yet1 to thy domain1 ,and at this moment ,i demand him back4 ,for he could now experience myself1 ,unless thou will'st to misdirect his sense4 ,he needs me now1 that from me there may flow ,into his thought with mighty conscious strength ,both warmth of soul and also power of heart4 ,then once more shall he find himself as man4 ,,lucifer3 ,i count thy striving good4 ,yet can ,i not ,grant to thee all that thou dost ask of me4 ,for should ,i give thee to ,johannes now ,in that same form wherein in former years ,thou didst appear before his mind and soul1 ,he would at present only give his love ,to thinking and to knowledge cold and bare2 ,and all warm individuality ,would seem unfeeling1 meaningless and dead4 ,it is not thus my power must fashion him4 ,through me he must discover in himself ,his living personality and self4 ,i must transform thee1 if the thing that's right ,shall come forth for his health and progress now4 ,i have a long time since prepared for all ,that now shall clearly show itself in thee4 ,in future thou wilt seem another man4 ,johannes will no more ,maria love1 ,as he hath loved her in the days gone by4 ,yet none the less he'll love1 with all the strength ,and all the passion he once gave to her4 ,,benedictus3 ,the glorious work in which we've gained success ,thou wouldst now turn unto thine own account4 ,thou hast ,johannes through his power of heart ,marked for thine own one day2 and yet thou seest ,that thou must make the fetters stronger still ,if thou wouldst keep his being for thyself4 ,his heart will be beneath his spirit's rule-- ,if that is so then all the knowledge-work ,which he on ,earth accomplished1 must be giv'n ,in future1 for their own1 to those great ,powers ,which thou hast fought against since ,time began4 ,if thou succeed'st in lowering that love ,which now ,johannes for ,maria feels ,and changing it by cunning to the lust ,which thou dost now require for thine own ends1 ,then will he turn the good he did on ,earth1 ,to evil ends from out the ,spirit-worlds4 ,,maria3 ,then he may yet be saved8 ',tis not decreed ,that he must fall a victim to the powers ,that want to gain his work now for themselves8 ,,benedictus3 ,it would be so if all the ,powers remained ,just as at present they have formed themselves2 ,but if at the right hour thou dost allow ,thy vow to take effect in thine own soul ,those powers must change their course in future times4 ,,lucifer3 ,so work1 compelling powers1 ,ye elemental sprites1 ,feel now your ,master's power2 ,and smooth for me the way1 ,that leads from realms of ,earth ,that so there may draw near ,to ,lucifer's domain ,whate'er my wish desires ,whate'er obeys my will4 7,theodora appears47 ,,theodora3 ,who calleth me to realms so strange to me8 ,i like it not1 unless the world of gods ,reveals itself in love unto my soul1 ,and glowing warmth entwining round my heart ,draws spirit-speech from out mine inmost soul4 ,,thomasius' ,,double3 ,ah1 how thou dost transform my very life6 ,thou hast appeared1 and here am ,i1 a man ,who now can only work when filled by thee4 ,johannes shall1 through me1 be now thine own1 ,and from henceforward thou shalt have the love ,which once so fearful and so radiant ,was wrested for ,maria from his heart4 ,he saw thee years ago1 but did not then ,feel all the warmth of love which was to grow ,in secret in the depths of his own soul4 ,now it will rise1 and fill him full of power1 ,and turn his thoughts entirely to thyself4 ,,benedictus3 ,the crucial moment is arriving now1 ,his strongest power hath ,lucifer let loose3 ,maria1 all the training of thy soul ,thou must put forth in strength to vanquish him4 ,,maria3 ,o ,bearer of that ,light1 which would confine ,love only to the service of the self2 ,thou hast from ,earth's beginning granted men ,knowledge1 when they1 still guided by the gods1 ,obeyed the spirit1 knowing nought of self4 ,but since that time each soul of man hath been ,the place in which thou fightest 'gainst the gods4 ,yet now the times are coming1 which must bring ,destruction on thyself and on thy realms4 ,a thinker bold was able to release ,science from all thy gifts in such a way ,that unto mankind's gods it gave itself4 ,but thou dost try once more to get the powers1 ,which for the gods are destined1 for thyself4 ,because ,johannes through his work hath now ,deprived thee of that knowledge1 with whose fruit ,thou from the first deceived'st all mankind1 ,so now thou would'st deceive him1 through that love ,which1 should he follow out his destined path ,for ,theodora he should never feel4 ,thou fain wouldst conquer ,wisdom now by ,love1 ,as once 'gainst ,love thou didst by ,wisdom fight4 ,but know full well that in ,maria's heart1 ,with which she now opposeth thy designs1 ,the spirit-pupilship hath planted powers ,to keep far off1 for ever1 all self-love ,from ,knowledge4 ,never from this hour will ,i ,allow myself to be possessed by joy ,such as men feel when thoughts grow ripe within4 ,i'll steel my heart to serve as sacrifice ,so that my mind can always only think ,in such a way that through my thoughts ,i may ,offer the fruits of ,knowledge to the gods4 ,my sacred service shall such ,knowledge be1 ,and what ,i thus effect within myself ,shall o'er ,johannes powerfully outstream1 ,and oft1 in future1 when within his heart ,these words are whispered from thyself to him3 ',man's human nature shall through love find out ,what gives strength to his personality4' ,then shall my heart this powerful answer give3 ',once didst thou hear these words1 when ,earth began1 ,and there didst show forth signs of ,wisdom's fruit1 ,the fruits of love can only come to man ,when they are brought to him from realms divine4' ,,lucifer3 ,i mean to fight4 ,,benedictus3 ,and fighting1 serve the gods4 ,curtain ,,scene #d ,a cheerful pink room in the home of ,strader and his wife ,theodora4 ,one notices by the arrangement that they use it as a room in common1 where they carry on their various works4 ,on his table there are mechanical models2 on hers things to do with mystic studies4 ,the two are holding a conversation which shows that they are absorbed in the fact that it is the seventh anniversary of their wedding day4 ,,strader3 ',tis seven years today since thou becam'st ,the loved and dear companion of my life ,and also unto me a source of light1 ,which shone upon a life which formerly ,was threatened only with approaching dark4 ,in spirit-life ,i was a starving man ,when thou didst first stand at my side and give ,that which the world had aye withheld from me4 ,for long years had ,i striven earnestly ,to probe the depths of science with my mind ,and find the worth of life and goal of man4 ,one day ,i clearly had to recognize ,that all this striving had been quite in vain ,hadst thou not shown that man's spirit seeks ,how to reveal itself through certain things ,which shunned my knowledge and my eager thought4 ,i met thee then amongst that company ,where ,benedictus was the guide of all1 ,and listened to thy revelations there4 ,later ,i saw how in ,thomasius ,the spirit-pupilship could work with power ,within the human soul4 ,what thus ,i saw ,robbed me of faith in science and good sense1 ,and yet it showed me nothing at that time ,which really seemed to me intelligent4 ,i turned away from all the realm of thought ,and went on living in an aimless way ,since life had ceased to be of worth to me4 ,i gave myself to technique that it might ,bring me oblivion and forgetfulness1 ,and lived a life of torment1 till once more ,i met thee1 for the second time2 and then ,our friendship soon grew deep and ripe for love4 ,,theodora3 ,it is but natural1 that on this day ,remembrance of those old times should again ,stand out so vividly before thy soul4 ,i also feel a need in mine own heart ,to look back once again upon those days ,when we were drawn together in life's bond4 ,i felt the constant strengthening at that time ,within me of the power which made my soul ,able for knowledge from the spirit-worlds4 ,and under ,felix ,balde's noble lead ,this power grew on thenceforward to that height ,at which it stood just seven years ago4 ,about that time ,i met ,capesius ,one day in ,felix' lovely woodland home4 ,a long life had he spent in deep research ,and won his way to spirit-pupilship4 ,he greatly wished to be allowed to learn ,my way of gazing on the spirit-world4 ,so after that ,i spent much time with him4 ,and in his house ,i chanced to meet with thee ,and could bring healing to thy mental wounds4 ,,strader3 ,and then the true light shone into my soul ,which long had only gazed upon the dark4 ,i saw at last what spirit is1 in truth4 ,thou ledd'st me on in such a way to see ,what was disclosed to thee from higher worlds1 ,that every doubt might swiftly disappear4 ,all this at that time worked so much on me ,that first ,i thought of thee as nothing else ,except a medium for the spirit's work4 ,it was a long while e'er ,i recognized ,that not my mind alone hung on thy words1 ,which did reveal to it its true abode2 ,but that my heart was taken captive too ,and could no longer live without thee near4 ,,theodora3 ,then didst thou tell me that which thou didst feel ,and all thy words were in so strange a form2 ,it seemed as if thou never hadst one thought ,that all the longing dwelling in thy heart ,could even hope it might be satisfied4 ,thy words showed clearly that it was advice ,that thou wast seeking from thy sister-soul4 ,thou spakst of help which thou didst then require ,and of the strengthening of thy powers of soul ,which otherwise must keep thee prison-bound4 ,,strader3 ,that my soul's messenger could be by fate ,destined to be companion of my life ,lay very far from all ,i had in mind ,when1 seeking help1 ,i showed my heart to thee4 ,,theodora3 ,and yet those very words which cut adrift ,thy heart from mine at first1 soon went to prove ,that all of this could not be otherwise-- ,hearts often have to point the way to fate4 ,,strader3 ,and when thy heart pronounced the fateful word ,my soul was flooded o'er with waves of life ,which1 though ,i could not feel1 ,i knew were there2 ',twas not till late1 when my memory ,rose from the depths of my subconscious soul1 ,that they fulfilled themselves in rays of light4 ,i could know all1 from what my mem'ry taught1 ,but could not live it then1 because so much ,still held me far apart from spirit-life4 ',twas then indeed ,i first became aware ,of spirit in close contact with my soul4 ,ne'er have ,i felt like that again2 and yet ,that knowledge gave to me a certainty ,that hath illuminated all my life4 ,and then flowed on these seven wondrous years4 ,i learned to feel how e'en mechanic skill ,which now ,i study1 is enriched by souls ,whose attitude t'ward spirit-life is right4 ',twas through the spirit-power which thou couldst give ,and which made such demands upon my life ,that ,i was able to look out beyond ,the strife for power1 and thence quite suddenly ,as if it had been prompted1 there appeared ,before my wondering spirit that new work ,from which we now may dare to hope so much ,and in thy light ,i felt within my soul ,the full awakening of all those powers ,which would have perished1 had ,i lived alone4 ,this certainty of life which ,i had won ,let me stand upright then1 just at that time ,when1 in such startling wise1 ,thomasius ,condemned before the ,rose ,cross brotherhood ,the work of his own brain1 and cast himself ,adrift1 with judgment hard1 just at that hour ,which could have brought him to his life's full height4 ,this inner certainty could hold me fast ,when all the outer world seemed to reveal ,naught but a mass of contradicting facts4 ,through thee alone have ,i gained all this power4 ,the spirit-revelation which thou gav'st ,brought me the sense of knowledge ,i had won2 ,and when the revelation came no more ,thou still didst stay my strength and light of soul4 ,,theodora 7in a broken sentence1 as if meditating deeply73 ,then when the revelation came no more 444 ,,strader3 ',tis that which often made me sorrowful4 ,i wondered if 'twere not deep pain to thee ,to lose thy seeress' power of second-sight1 ,and whether thou didst suffer silently1 ,lest ,i should grieve3 and yet thy temperament ,showed thou couldst bear with calmness fate's decree4 ,but lately thou hast seemed to me to change1 ,joy no more streams from thee as heretofore ,and thine eye's glowing light begins to fade4 ,,theodora3 ,indeed it could not be deep pain to me ,when spirit-revelation disappeared4 ,my fate had only changed my way of life2 ,which ,i must needs accept with patience calm4 ,but now 'tis born once more1 and brings great grief4 ,,strader3 ,this is the first time in these seven years ,i cannot fathom ,theodora's mind2 ,for each experience of spirit-life ,was such a source of inward joy to thee4 ,,theodora3 ,quite different is the revelation now4 ,at first1 as then1 ,i feel myself constrained ,to drive away all thought that is mine own2 ,but where1 before1 after some little time ,when ,i achieved this inward emptiness ,a gentle light did hover round my soul ,and spirit-pictures wished to form themselves2 ,there come now unseen feelings of disgust2 ,which come in such a way that ,i am sure ,the power ,i feel within comes from without-- ,then fear ,i cannot banish pours itself ,into my life and governs all my soul-- ,and gladly would ,i flee from that dread ,shape ,that is invisible1 and yet abhorred4 ,it tries to reach me with its evil will ,and ,i can only hate what is revealed4 ,,strader3 ,with ,theodora 'tis not possible4 ,they say that what one thus lives through1 is but ,the mirrored working of one's own soul-powers4 ,yet thy soul could not show such things as these4 ,,theodora 7painfully1 slowly1 as if reflecting73 ,i know indeed that such ideas are held-- ,therefore with all the power that still was mine ,i sank into the spirit-world and prayed ,that those same beings who so oft before ,were kind to me1 would graciously reveal ,how ,i could learn the cause of all my pain4 7,now follow in broken words73 ,and then 444 the shining ,light 444 came 444 as before ,and formed 444 the image 444 of an earthly man4444 ,it was 444 ,thomasius 444 ,,strader 7painfully1 overcome by the quick inrush of feelings73 444 ,thomasius 444 ,the man in whom ,i always have believed 444 7,pause1 then meditating painfully47 ,when ,i again recall before my soul ,how he behaved towards the ,mystic ,league 444 ,how of himself and ,ahriman he spake---- 7,theodora is lost in contemplation1 and stares blankly into space1 as if her spirit were absent47 ,,strader3 ,o ,theodora 444 what dost thou 444 see now4444 ,curtain ,,scene #e ,a round room in the little house in the wood1 described in the ,soul's ,probation1 as ,felix ,balde's home4 ,dame ,balde1 ,felix ,balde1 ,capesius1 ,strader1 are seen seated at a table on the left of the stage4 ,later appears the ,soul of ,theodora4 ,the room is the natural colour of the wood and has two pretty arched windows4 ,,dame ,,balde3 ,we shall not know again her beauteous self ,nor feel her radiant nature till we too ,shall reach some day the world to which she hath ,so early from our sight been stol'n away4 ,a few short weeks ago we still could hear ,with joy in this our house the graciousness ,that streamed so warmly through her every word4 ,,felix ,,balde3 ,we both1 my wife ,felicia1 and myself1 ,loved her indeed from out our inmost soul1 ,so can we share and understand thy grief4 ,,strader3 ,dear ,theodora1 she so often spoke ,throughout the last hours of her life on earth ,of ,dame ,felicia and of ,felix too2 ,she was so closely intimate with all ,that life brought to you here from day to day4 ,now must ,i grope my further path alone4 ,she was the sum and meaning of my life4 ,and what she gave1 can never die for me4 ,and yet--she is not here---- ,,felix ,,balde3 ,yet can we still ,with thee send out our loving thoughts to her ,into the spirit-worlds1 and thus unite ,her soul with ours through all the days to come4 ,but1 ,i must own1 it was a shock to us ,when we were told her life on ,earth was o'er4 ,these many years there hath been granted me ,a gift of insight which doth often show ,in unexpected moments quite unsought ,what inward strength doth lie in all men's lives2 ,in her case hath this gift deceived me sore4 ,for ne'er indeed could ,i think otherwise1 ,except that ,theodora would be spared ,to spend on ,earth for many years as yet ,that love through which she hath in joy and grief ,shown herself helpful to so many men4 ,,strader3 ',tis very strange how all hath come to pass2 ,as long as ,i have known her1 had she lived ,ever the same sound healthy mode of life4 ,but since the time she first became aware ,of ,something strange1 unknown1 that threatened her ,and tried to enter and oppress her mind2 ,her senses clouded over more and more ,and suffering poured itself through all her life4 ,her body's powers were sapped1 as one could see ,by some great struggle in her inmost soul4 ,she told me1 when in my anxiety1-- ,i plied her oft with many questionings-- ,she felt herself exposed to fearful thoughts ,which frightened her and worked like fire within4 ,and what she said besides--'tis terrible1 ,for when she rallied all her powers of thought ,to find the cause of all this suffering ,there always came before her spirit's gaze ,thomasius 444 whom we both honoured so1 ,and yet from this impression aye remained ,the strongest feelings which spake clear to her ,that she had cause to fear ,thomasius4 ,,capesius 7spoken as in a trance73 ,according to the strict decree of ,fate ,thomasius and ,theodora ne'er ,could meet in earthly passion in this life4 ',twould be indeed opposed to cosmic laws ,if one desired to make the other feel ,aught that was not on spirit only based4 ,within his heart ,thomasius doth break ,the stern decree of mighty powers of ,fate3 ,that he should never harbour in his soul ,thoughts that might bring to ,theodora harm4 ,for he doth feel what he ought not to feel ,and1 through his disobedience he doth form ,e'en now the powers which can deliver o'er ,his future life unto the realms of dark4 ,when ,theodora had been forced to come ,to ,lucifer1 she learnt unconsciously ,that through the ,light-bearer1 ,thomasius ,was filled with sensual passion for herself4 ,maria1 who had been by ,fate's decree ,entrusted with ,thomasius' spirit-life1 ,and ,theodora1 at the same time met ,within that realm which fights against the gods-- ,maria from ,thomasius had to part1 ,and he through strength of this false love was forced ,to be in bondage unto ,lucifer4 ,what ,theodora thus experienced ,became consuming fire within her soul ,and working further caused her all this pain4 ,,strader3 ,oh tell us1 ,father ,felix1 what this means4 ,capesius speaks in such a manner strange ,of things which are incomprehensible2 ,and yet they fill my soul with dread and fear4 ,,felix ,,balde3 ,capesius1 when treading o'er the path1 ,which he hath found most needful for his soul ,learns ever more and more to exercise ,those special gifts of spirit which are his2 ,his spirit lives in touch with higher worlds ,and passeth by unnoticed all those things ,through which the senses speak unto the soul4 ',tis but by habit that he doth perform ,all that hath been his custom in this life4 ,he ever tried to visit his old friends ,and likes to while away long hours with them1 ,and yet whenever he is at their side ,his being seems in meditation lost4 ,but what he sees in spirit aye is true ,so far as mine own searching of the soul ,can testify to proving of the truth4 ,and therefore in this case ,i do believe ,that owing to these spirit-gifts1 he could ,perceive within the depths of his own soul ,the truth of ,theodora's destiny4 ,,dame ,,balde3 ,it is so strange1 he never notices ,what those around him may be speaking of2 ,it seems his soul is from his body loosed ,and gazeth only on the spirit-world2 ,and yet some word will often bring him back ,out of this strange abstraction1 and he'll tell ,of things that seem to come from spirit-realms ,and somehow be connected with that word4 ,apart from that whatever one may say ,makes no impression on his mind at all4 ,,strader3 ,ah6 if he speaks the truth--how horrible-- 7,theodora's ,soul appears47 ,,theodora',s ,,soul3 ,capesius hath been allowed to know ,of my existence in the spirit-world3 ,it is the truth which he makes known to you4 ,we must not let ,thomasius transgress3 ,maria hath already set alight ,the sacrifice of love in her strong heart2 ,and ,theodora from the spirit-heights ,will send out rays of blessing from ,love's power4 ,,felix ,,balde3 ,dear ,strader1 thou must now be calm and still2 ,she wants to speak to thee2 ,i understand ,the signs she gives to us3 so now attend4 ,,theodora 7after making a movement with her hand towards ,strader73 ,thomasius possesseth second sight2 ,and he will find me in the spirit-realms4 ,this must not be until he is set free ,from earthly passion in his search for me4 ,in future he will also need thy help1 ,and that is what ,i now request of thee4 ,,strader3 ,my ,theodora1 who dost even now ,turn to me as of old in love1 say on ,what thou desirest1 and it shall be done4 7,theodora makes a sign towards ,capesius47 ,,felix ,,balde3 ,that shows she cannot now say any more1 ,but wisheth us to hear ,capesius speak4 7,theodora vanishes47 ,,capesius 7as in a trance73 ,thomasius can ,theodora see1 ,if he doth choose to use his spirit-eyes4 ,therefore her death will not destroy in him ,this passion which is harmful to himself4 ,yet will he have to act quite otherwise ,than he would act if ,theodora still ,lived in the body on this earth of ours4 ,he will with passion strive toward the light ,which is revealed to her from spirit-heights ,although she hath no consciousness of earth4 ,thomasius is set to win that light ,that through him ,lucifer may gain it too4 ,this light divine would then help ,lucifer ,to keep for evermore within his realm ,the knowledge which ,thomasius acquired ,and won for his own use through earthly power4 ,for ,lucifer1 since first the ,earth began ,hath ever sought for men who have acquired ,wisdom divine through instincts that were false4 ,he wills now to unite pure spirit-sight ,with human knowledge1 which1 if treated thus ,would turn to evil1 though 'twere good itself4 ,thomasius however even now ,may be turned back from this his evil way1 ,if ,strader gives himself to certain aims ,which shall in future spiritually guide ,all human knowledge1 that it may approach ,and join itself to knowledge that's divine4 ,if he would have these aims revealed1 he must ,as pupil unto ,benedictus turn4 7,pause47 ,,strader 7to ,felix ,balde73 ,o father ,felix1 give me thine advice4 ,hath ,theodora really trusted this ,unto ,capesius to tell to me8 ,,felix ,,balde3 ,these last few days ,i have most earnestly ,held converse often with mine inmost self ,to try and to clear my thoughts about this man4 ,gladly ,i'll tell thee all ,i know myself4 ,capesius is living in true wise ,the life of spirit-pupilship1 although ,from his behaviour it seems otherwise4 ,he is already destined by his fate ,much to accomplish in the spirit-life4 ,and only can fulfil the duties high ,to which his soul hath been already called ,if he prepares his spirit for them now4 ,and yet it lay quite near his nature too1 ,instead of seeking light on spirit-paths1 ,unto false science to devote himself1 ,which can just now make blind so many souls4 ,the solemn ,guardian on the ,threshold grim1 ,which marks the world of sense from spirit-worlds1 ,had duties of a most especial kind ,when to the gate ,capesius found his way4 ,to such an earnest seeker must the gate ,needs open1 but behind him shut at once4 ,the means he used in former times to win ,power for himself within the world of sense ,could no more help him in the spirit-realms4 ,he best prepares himself for service high ,which he one day must render to mankind ,when he ignores our presence and our talk4 ,,dame ,,balde3 ,there is but one thing he still notices4 ,i mean the stories that ,i used to tell ,so often to him and through which he felt ,refreshed and reawakened to new thought ,when his soul seemed bereft of all ideas4 ,,capesius3 ,such stories find their way to spirit-lands ,if in the spirit also they are told4 ,,dame ,,balde3 ,then1 if ,i can collect myself enough ,to speak my stories out within myself ,i'll think of thee with love3 so that they then ,may also in the spirit-land be heard4 ,curtain ,,scene #f ,a space not circumscribed by artificial walls but enclosed by intertwined plants like trees and structures which spread out and send shoots into the interior4 ,owing to natural occurrences the whole is moving violently and is sometimes filled with storm4 ,the stage is divided into two groves1 separated for a short distance by a row of trees4 ,the grove on right of stage is appropriated later by ,lucifer and his ,spirits1 and the left grove by ,ahriman and his ,spirits4 ,the dance movements are set to music4 ,maria and ,capesius are on the stage as the curtain rises2 then ,benedictus1 ,philia1 ,astrid1 ,luna1 the other ,philia1 ,lucifer1 ,ahriman1 and ,creatures which move in a dancing fashion and which represent thoughts1 lastly the ,soul of ,dame ,balde4 ,,benedictus 7invisible as yet1 only audible73 ,within thy thinking1 cosmic thoughts do live4 ,,capesius 7in astral garb73 ,there echoes ,benedictus' noble voice2 ,his words are ringing in the spirit here1 ,and are the same as in the book of life ,are written down to aid his pupils' work1 ,which souls on earth find hard to understand ,and which are even harder to fulfil4 ,what part of spirit-land is this1 where sound ,the words which serve to test the souls on ,earth8 ,,maria3 ,hast thou abode so long in spirit-land ,in such a way that thou hast learned so much ,and yet this region is unknown to thee8 ,,capesius3 ,what lives here in its own reality ,souls1 versed in spirit-ways1 can grasp with ease2 ,each thing explains itself through something else4 ,the whole may stand revealed in light1 when part ,seen by itself1 may often still seem dark4 ,but when a spirit-essence doth unite ,with earthly nature to create some work1 ,the soul begins to lose her grasp of things4 ,and not alone a part1 but e'en the whole ,is oft concealed from her by darkness deep4 ,why words which come in ,benedictus' book ,and which were written for men's souls on ,earth1 ,should echo here1 within a place like this1 ,that is the problem which doth offer here4 ,,benedictus 7still invisible73 ,within thy feeling1 cosmic forces play4 ,,capesius3 ,again there come the words which on the ,earth ,did ,benedictus to his pupils trust2 ,and here in his own voice they echo forth4 ,they stream through all the limitless expanse ,of this great realm arousing darksome powers4 ,,maria3 ,i feel already what ,i must pass through ,within the boundless spaces of this realm2 ,and ,benedictus' nearness draws me on4 ,in this place he will let me gaze on things ,incomprehensible to souls on ,earth ,the while they dwell in bodies bound by sense1 ,and e'en whilst serving spirit-pupilship4 ,so must the master bring them to this place ,where words do not depend on human speech1 ,but are imprinted on their souls by signs2 ,here he transforms to speech world happenings-- ,a world-descriptive language for the soul4 ,i'll loose my inmost being from the ,earth1 ,condensing all my powers within my soul1 ,and so await whate'er may be revealed ,to indicate my way through spirit-space4 ,and then when ,i return to life on ,earth ',twill be a thought which1 when recalled will shine ,as knowledge in mine inmost depths of soul4 ,,benedictus 7appears from the background73 ,win thou thyself in power of cosmic thought1 ,lose thou thyself in life of cosmic force2 ,thou shalt find earthly aims reflect themselves ,through thine own being in the cosmic light4 ,,capesius3 ,so ,benedictus is in spirit here6 ,perhaps his words re-echo of themselves4 ,doth then the teacher bring the lore of earth ,to vivify and work in spirit-realms8 ,but what can be the meaning here of words ,which he doth use on earth in other ways8 ,,benedictus3 ,capesius1 thou hast in thine earth-life ,entered within my circle1 though in truth ,thou ne'er wast conscious of thy pupilship4 ,,capesius3 ,capesius is not within this place2 ,and his soul will not hear him spoken of4 ,,benedictus3 ,thou wilt not feel thou art ,capesius ,but him in spirit thou shalt see and know4 ,for thee the powerful work of thought hath now ,in thy soul-body caged the spirit-life4 ,so that thy soul-life can release itself ,from thought's dream-play within thine earthly frame4 ,too weak it felt itself to wander forth ,from out world distances to depths of soul2 ,too strong to gaze at lofty spirit-light ,through all the darkness that surrounds the ,earth4 ,i must accompany each one who gains ,the spirit-light from me in earthly life ,whether he knows1 or doth not know1 that he ,came as a spirit-pupil to myself4 ,and ,i must lead him further on those paths ,which he in spirit learned to tread through me4 ,thou hast through thy soul-sight in cosmic space ,learned to draw nigh the spirit consciously ,since loosed from body thou canst follow it4 ,but1 not yet freed from thought1 thou canst not see ,true being in the spirit-realm as yet4 ,first thy sense-body thou must lay aside ,but not the fine corporeal web of thought4 ,thou only canst perceive the world in truth ,when nothing of thy personality ,remains to cloud the clearness of thy sight4 ,he only who hath learned to view his thoughts ,as things outside himself1 e'en as the seer ,beholds his earthly form released from him1 ,can penetrate to spirit verities4 ,so look upon this picture that it may ,turn into knowledge through clairvoyant powers ,thoughts1 whose true being is built up in space ,to forms1 which mirror forth the thoughts of men4 7,a cheerful subdued light diffuses itself4 ,philia1 ,astrid1 and ,luna appear in glowing clouds47 7,exeunt ,capesius and ,maria47 ,,voices 7which sound together1 spoken by ,philia1 ,astrid1 and ,luna73 ,let thoughts hover round ,like weaving of dreams ,and build themselves in ,to souls that are here2 ,let will that creates ,and feeling that stirs ,and thought that doth work ,the dreamer arouse-- 7,while this sounds1 ,lucifer approaches from one side1 and ,ahriman from the other4 ,they go to their thrones raised on each side at the back of the stage1 facing the audience2 ,lucifer on the right of the stage1 ,ahriman on the left47 ,,lucifer 7in a loud voice1 emphasizing every word73 ,within thy will do cosmic beings work4 7,on ,lucifer's side1 beings with golden hair1 dressed in crimson and radiantly beautiful representing thoughts1 begin to move4 ,these carry out1 in a dancing fashion1 movements which represent the forms of thought corresponding to ,lucifer's words47 ,,ahriman 7speaking in a loud1 hoarse voice73 ,these cosmic beings do but puzzle thee4 7,after these words ,lucifer's group is still and the thought-beings on ,ahriman's side move and carry out dancing movements which make forms corresponding to his words4 ,they have grey hair and are clad in indigo blue1 being square in build1 and in appearance distinguished more by force than beauty4 ,after this the movement from both groups is carried on together47 ,,lucifer3 ,within thy feeling cosmic forces play4 7,the thought-beings on ,lucifer's side repeat their movements47 ,,ahriman3 ,the cosmic forces are but mocking thee4 7,the thought-beings on ,ahriman's side repeat their movements1 then again both together47 ,,lucifer3 ,within thy thinking cosmic thought doth live4 7,repetition of the movements in ,lucifer's group47 ,,ahriman3 ,the cosmic thought doth but bewilder thee4 7,repetition of the movements in ,ahriman's group47 7,the movements of each group are then repeated four times separately and thrice together47 7,the thought-beings vanish left and right2 ,lucifer and ,ahriman remain3 ,philia1 ,luna1 and ,astrid advance from the background1 and speak together the words they spoke before with the following alteration47 ,,philia1 ,,etc43 ,thoughts hovered around ,like weaving of dreams ,and built themselves in ,to souls that are here-- ,then will that creates ,and feeling that stirs ,and thought that doth work ,the dreamer aroused-- 7,philia1 ,astrid1 and ,luna vanish4 ,enter ,capesius in astral garb1 and after he has spoken a few words ,maria joins him1 though at first he cannot see her47 ,,capesius3 ,the soul lives out her life within herself3 ,believes she thinks because she does not see ,thoughts all spread out in space in front of her-- ,believes she feels1 because the feelings show ,no flash like lightning leaping from the clouds2 ,she sees this realm of space1 and gazeth on ,the clouds above her 4442 and were this not so1 ,supposing that the lightning were to flash1 ,and not an eye looked up above to see1 ,she needs must think the lightning was in her4 ,she does not see how ,lucifer springs forth ,from out her thoughts1 and pours her feelings in1 ,and so believes she is alone with them4 ,why doth delusion lead her captive thus8 ,o soul1 give answer to thyself 444 yet 444 whence8 ,from out thyself8 ,ah1 nay 444 perhaps that1 too1 ,were answered 444 not by thee 444 but ,lucifer4444 ,,maria3 ,and if it were2 why then shouldst thou not seek8 ,go forth into the deep to find it there4444 ,,capesius3 ,a being here1 who hears the speech of souls8 ,,maria3 ,souls are not here divided each from each ,as when within the body they are pent4 ,here each soul hears itself in other's speech4 ,so dost thou only speak unto thyself ,when ,i say3 ',seek thine answer in the deep4' ,,capesius 7hesitatingly73 ,ah1 in the deep there threatens darksome 444 fear4 ,,maria3 ,yea truly1 fear is there3 but ask thyself1 ,as thou hast forced thy way within her realm ,if she doth not reveal herself to thee4 ,ask ,lucifer1 before whom thou dost stand ,if on thy weakness he is pouring fear4 ,,lucifer3 ,who flees from me will love me all the same4 ,children of ,earth have loved me from the first ,and only think that hatred is my due4 ,so do they ever seek me in my deeds4 ,if ,i had not as ornament to life ,sent beauty to their souls1 they would long since ,have pined away in truth's cold empty forms ,throughout the long dull progress of the ,earth4 ',tis ,i who fill the artist's soul with power ,and whatsoe'er of beauty men have seen ,hath had its prototype within my realm-- ,now ask thyself1 if thou shouldst fear me still4 ,,maria3 ,in these domains which ,lucifer commands ,fear hath not verily her proper place4 ,from hence he must send forth into men's souls ,not fear1 but wishes1 as his gifts to men4 ,fear comes from quite another realm of power4 ,,ahriman3 ,at birth ,i was the equal of the gods1 ,who have curtailed my many ancient rights4 ,i wished in such a way to fashion men ,for ,lucifer1 my brother1 and his realm1 ,that each should bear his own world in himself4 ,for ,lucifer as peer amongst his peers ,would only show himself in spirit-realms4 ,in others he but shows his pictured form ,and so could never be a lord of men4 ,i wished to give unto mankind such strength ,that they might grow to equal ,lucifer4 ,and had ,i stayed within the realm of gods ,this too had been in primal days fulfilled4 ,the gods however willed to rule on ,earth1 ,and from their kingdom they did one day thrust ,my power into the depths of the abyss1 ,so that ,i might not make mankind too strong4 ,and thus 'tis only from this place ,i dare ,send out my powerful strength upon the ,earth4 ,but in this way my power turns into ,,fear4 7,as ,ahriman finishes speaking1 ,benedictus appears47 ,,capesius3 ,he who hath heard what both these two powers here ,spake from their places out into the worlds ,may know from this where he can look and find ,both fear and hatred in their own domains4 ,,benedictus3 ,in cosmic speech thou shalt perceive thyself2 ,and feel thyself in cosmic power of thought4 ,and as thou now didst see outside thyself ,what thou didst dream was all thine inmost self1 ,so find thyself1 and shudder now no more ,at that one word thou hast a right to use ,to prove thine own existence to thyself-- ,,capesius3 ,so once more ,i belong to mine own self ,now will ,i seek myself1 because ,i dare ,to see myself in cosmic thought and live4 ,,benedictus3 ,and thou must add all this which thou hast won ,to victories of old to give the world4 7,dame ,balde in her ordinary dress appears in the background beside ,benedictus47 ,,dame ,,balde 7in a meditative voice suitable for fairy tales73 ,once on a time there lived a child of ,god ,who had affinity with those who weave ,the thoughtful wisdom of the spirit-realms4 ,this child1 brought up by truth's almighty ,sire ,grew up within his realm to ancient strength4 ,and when his body1 radiant with light1 ,did feel his ripened will creative stir ,he often looked with pity on the ,earth ,where souls of men were striving after truth4 ,then to the ,sire of truth the child would say3 ',the souls of men are thirsting for the drink ,which thou canst hand to them from out thy springs4' ,with earnest speech the ,sire of truth replied3 ',the springs1 of which ,i am appointed guard1 ,let light stream forth from out the spirit-suns2 ,only such beings dare to drink the light ,as need not thirst for air that they may breathe4 ,therefore in light have ,i brought up a child ,who can feel pity for the souls on ,earth ,and manifest the light 'midst breathing men4 ,so turn and go unto mankind and bring ,the light that's in their souls to meet my light ,enfilled with confidence and spirit-life4' ,so then the shining light-child turned1 and went ,to souls who keep themselves alive by breath4 ,and many good men found he on the ,earth1 ,who offered him with joy their souls' abode4 ,these souls he turned to gaze with grateful love ,upon their ,sire who dwells in springs of light4 ,and when the child heard from the lips of men ,and joyous mind of men1 the magic word ,of fantasy1 he knew himself alive ,dwelling with gladness in the hearts of men4 ,but one sad day there came unto the child ,a man who cast upon him chilling looks4 ',i turn the souls of men on earth toward ,the ,sire of truth who dwells in springs of light--' ,thus to the strange man did the light-child speak-- ,the man replied3 ',thou dost but weave wild dreams ,into men's spirits1 and deceiv'st their souls4' ,and since the day which witnessed this event ,the child who can bring light to breathing souls ,hath often suffered slander from mankind4 7,philia1 ,astrid1 ,luna1 and the ,other ,philia appear in a cloud of light47 ,,philia3 ,now let every soul ,that drinks of the light ,awake to full power ,in cosmic expanse4 ,,astrid3 ,so too let the spirit ,that knoweth no fear ,arise in full power ,in cosmic domains4 ,,luna3 ,let man who doth strive ,to reach to the heights ,hold firm with full strength ,to innermost self4 ,,the ,,other ,,philia3 ,let man struggle on ,to him who bears light ,and opens out worlds ,which quicken in men ,the sense of delight4 ,this beauty so bright ,awakened in souls1 ,inspired to admire1 ,the spirit leads on ,to realms of the gods4 ,achievement consoles ,the feelings that dare ,the threshold to tread1 ,which strictly doth guard ',gainst souls that feel fear4 ,and energy finds ,a will that grows ripe ,and fearless doth stand ',fore powers that create ,and fashion the worlds4 ,curtain falls whilst ,benedictus1 ,capesius1 ,maria1 ,dame ,balde1 ,lucifer1 and ,ahriman1 and the four ,soul-forms1 are still in their places4 ,,scene #g ,a landscape composed of fantastic forms4 ,this picture of blazing fire on one side of the stage with rushing water on the other whirled into living forms is intended to suggest the sublime4 ,in the centre a chasm belching forth fire which leaps up into a kind of barrier of fire and water4 ,the ,guardian of the ,threshold stands in the centre with flaming sword erect4 ,his costume is the conventional angelic garb4 ,the ,guardian1 ,thomasius1 ,maria1 later on ,lucifer and then the other ,philia4 ,,the ,,guardian3 ,what unchecked wish doth sound within mine ear8 ,so storm men's souls when first approaching me ,e'er they have fully gained tranquillity4 ,it is desire that really leads such men ,and not creative power which dares to speak ,since it in silence could itself create4 ,the souls which thus comport themselves when here ,i needs must relegate again to ,earth1 ,for in the ,spirit-realm they can but sow ,confusion1 and do but disturb the deeds ,which cosmic powers have wisely foreordained4 ,such men can also injure their own selves ,who form destructive passions in their hearts ,which are mistaken for creative powers1 ,since they must take delusion for the truth ,when earthly darkness no more shelters them4 7,thomasius and ,maria appear47 ,,thomasius3 ,thou dost not see upon thy threshold now ,the soul of him who was the pupil once ,of ,benedictus1 and came oft to thee1 ,thomasius1 although upon the ,earth ,it had to call ,thomasius' form its own4 ,he came to thee1 his thirst for knowledge quenched ,and could not bear to have thee near to him4 ,he hid in his own personality ,when he felt near thee1 and thus oft did see ,worlds which1 he thought1 made clear the origin ,of all existence and the goal of life4 ,he found the happiness of knowledge there ,and also powers which to the artist gave ,that which directed both his hand and heart ,toward creation's source1 so that he felt ,there truly lived within him cosmic powers1 ,which held him steady to his artist's work4 ,he did not know that nought before him stood ,in all that he created through his thought ,except the living content of his soul4 ,like spiders1 spinning webs around themselves ,so did he work1 and thought himself the world4 ,indeed he once thought that ,maria stood ,opposed to him in spirit1 till he saw ,that picture she had graven on his soul ,which then as spirit did reveal itself4 ,and when he was allowed a moment's glimpse ,of his own being1 as it really was1 ,he gladly would have fled away from self2 ,he thought himself a spirit but he found ,he was a creature but of flesh and blood4 ,he learned to know the power of this same blood2 ',twas there in truth1 the rest was but a shade4 ,blood was his teacher true2 and this alone ,gave him clear vision1 and revealed to him ,who was his sire and who his sister dear ,in long forgotten ages on the ,earth4 ,to blood-relations his blood guided him4 ,then did he see how strongly souls of men ,must be deceived when they in vanity ,would rise to spirit from the life of sense4 ,such effort truly binds the soul more firm ,to sense-existence than a daily life1 ,dull human dream existence following4 ,and when ,thomasius could view all this ,before his soul as being his own state ,he gave himself with vigour to that power ,which could not lie to him although as yet ',twas but revealed in picture1 for he knew ,that ,lucifer himself is really there ,e'en if he can but show his pictured form4 ,the gods desire to draw near to mankind ,through truth alone2 but ,lucifer--to him ,it matters not if men see false or true1 ,he ever will remain the same himself4 ,and therefore ,i acknowledge that ,i feel ,i have attained reality when ,i ,believe that ,i must search and find the soul ,which in his own realm he did bind to mine4 7,to the ,guardian47 ,so armed with all the strength which he bestows ,i mean to pass thee and to penetrate ,to ,theodora whom ,i know to be ,within the realm that o'er this threshold lies4 ,,the ,,guardian3 ,thomasius1 think well what thou dost know4 ,what o'er this threshold lives is all unknown2 ,yet dost thou know quite well all ,i must ask1 ,before thou canst set foot within this realm4 ,thou must first part with many of those powers ,which thou hast won when in thine earthly frame4 ,out of them all thou canst alone retain ,that which by efforts1 pure and spiritual1 ,thou didst achieve1 and which thou hast kept pure4 ,but this thou hast thyself cast off from thee ,and given as his own to ,ahriman4 ,what still is thine hath been by ,lucifer ,destroyed for use within the spirit-world4 ,this too upon the threshold ,i must take ,if thou wouldst really pass this portal by4 ,so nought remains to thee2 a lifeless life ,must be thy lot within the spirit-realms4 ,,thomasius3 ,yet ,i shall be and ,theodora find4 ,she'll be for me the source of fullest light1 ,which ever hath so richly been revealed ,unto her soul1 apart from lore of ,earth4 ,that is enough4 ,and thou wilt set thyself ,in vain against me1 even if the power ,which ,i myself have won upon the ,earth ,should not fulfil the estimate which thou ,didst form of my good spirit long ago4 ,,maria 7to the ,guardian73 ,thou knowest well1 who hast been guardian ,of this realm's threshold since the world began ,what beings need to cross the threshold o'er ,who to thy kind and to thy time belong3 ,so too with men1 who meet thee at this gate ,if they do come alone1 and cannot show ,that they have done true spirit-good they must ,go back again from here to life on ,earth4 ,but this man here hath been allowed to bring ,that other soul unto thy threshold now ,whom fate hath bound so closely with his own4 ,thou hast been ordered by high spirit powers ,to keep back many men from here1 who would ,try to approach the gateway of this realm ,and would but bring destruction on themselves ,if they should dare to pass the threshold o'er4 ,yet thou may'st throw it open unto those ,who through their inmost personality ,are in the spirit-realms inclined to love1 ,and to such love can cling as they press through1 ,as hath been foreordained them by the gods ,before to battle ,lucifer came forth4 ,standing before his throne my heart hath vowed ,with strictest oath1 that in ,earth's future times ,it would so serve this love that ,lucifer1 ,when he gives knowledge of it to men's souls ,can do no harm4 ,and those who listen well ,for the revealing of this love divine ,with earnest minds1 as once they strove to grasp ,the knowledge given forth by ,lucifer1 ,they must inevitably find themselves4 ,johannes in his earthly form doth now ,no longer listen to my voice1 as once1 ,when in an earthly life long since passed by ,i was enabled to reveal to him ,that which had been entrusted to myself ,in holy temples in ,hibernia ,by that same ,god ,who dwells within mankind ,and ,who once conquered all the powers of death ,because ,he lived love's life so perfectly4 ,my friend will once again in spirit-realms ,discern the words which come forth from my soul ,but which were hindered from his earthly ears ,by ,lucifer and his delusive power4 ,,thomasius 7as one who perceives some spiritual being73 ,maria1 dost thou see1 clad in long cloak ,that dignified old man1 his solemn face1 ,his noble brow1 the flashing of his glance8 ,he passeth through the streets1 'mid crowds of men ,yet each doth step aside in reverence ,that yon old man may go his way in peace1 ,and lest his train of thought be rudely stirred4 ,for one can see that1 wrapped within himself ,he meditates with powerful inmost thought4 ,maria1 dost thou see8 ,,maria3 ,yea1 ,i can see1 ,when through the eyes of thine own soul ,i look4 ,but 'tis to thee alone that he would now ,reveal himself in scenes significant4 ,,thomasius3 ,i now can see into his very soul1 ,things full of meaning lie within its depths ,and memory of something he's just heard4 ,before his eyes there stands a teacher wise4 ,he lets the words which he hath heard from him ,pass through his soul2 it is from him he comes4 ,his thinking scans the very source of life2 ,as once mankind in olden times on ,earth ,might stand quite near and view the spirit-scenes1 ,although their soul-life was but like a dream2 ,the old man's soul doth trace that line of thought ,which from his honoured teacher he hath learned4 ,and now he disappears from my soul's sight2 ,ah1 if ,i could but watch his further steps4 ,i see men speaking with each other now ,among the crowd2 and ,i can hear their words4 ,they speak of that old man with reverence deep4 ,in his young days he was a soldier brave2 ,ambition1 and desire to be renowned ,were burning in his soul2 he wished to count ,as foremost warrior within his ranks4 ,in battle's service he did perpetrate ,unnumbered gruesome deeds through thirst for fame4 ,and in his life full many a time it chanced ,he caused much blood to flow upon the earth4 ,at last there came a day when suddenly ,the luck of battle turned its back on him4 ,he left the battlefield in bitter shame ,to enter his own home1 a man disgraced2 ,scorn and derision were his lot in life1 ,and from that time wild hatred filled his soul ,which had not lost its pride and love of fame4 ,he looked upon his boon-companions now ,only as enemies to be destroyed ,as soon as opportunity occurred4 ,but since the man's proud soul was soon compelled ,to recognize that vengeance on his foes ,would not be possible for him in life1 ,he learned the victory o'er his own self ,and vanquished all his pride and love of fame4 ,he even made resolve in his old age ,a circle small of pupils to attend ,which had arisen then within his town4 ,the man who was the teacher of this band ,was in his soul possessed of all the lore ,which by the masters in much older days ,had been delivered to initiates-- ,all this ,i hear from men within the crowd4 ,it fills me with warm love when ,i behold ,with my soul's sight1 this agd man1 who thus ,after the victories which love of fame ,had won for him could even then achieve ,the greatest human task--to conquer self-- ,therefore do ,i perceive within this place ,the man to whom ,i wholly give myself1 ,although ,i see him but in pictured form4 ,this feeling howsoe'er it comes to me ,is not a moment's work4 ,through lives long past ,i must have been in closest union joined ,unto a soul ,i love as ,i love him4 ,i have not in this moment roused in me ,a love so strong as that which now ,i feel2 ,it is a recollection from past times2 ,nor can ,i grasp it with my thought as yet1-- ,though memory calls these feelings back to me4 ,surely ,i once was pupil of this man ,and full of awe and wonder gazed on him8 ,oh1 how ,i long once more in this same hour ,to meet the earthly soul which formerly ,could speak about this body as its own1 ,no matter if on ,earth or otherwhere4 ,then would ,i prove the strength with which ,i love2 ,what noble human ties did once create ,this can good powers alone renew in me4 ,,maria3 ,art thou quite sure1 ,johannes1 that this soul ,if it approached thee now would show itself ,upon the same bright height whereon it stood ,in those old days just pictured 'fore thy soul8 ,perchance it now is chained a prisoner ,by feelings all unworthy of its past4 ,many a man now walks upon the ,earth ,who would be filled with shame1 if he could see ,how little in his present mode of life ,doth correspond with that which once he was4 ,perchance this man hath wallowed in the mire ,of lust and passion1 and thou saw'st him now ,oppressed by consternation and remorse4 ,,thomasius3 ,maria1 why dost thou suggest such words8 ,i cannot see what leads thee so to speak4 ,for thoughts have here quite other influence1 ,than in the places where that man hath lived4 ,,the ,,guardian3 ,johannes1 that which here within this place ,reveals itself is proving of thy soul4 ,gaze on the groundwork of thy self1 and see ,what thou1 unknowing1 willst and canst perform4 ,all that was hidden in thine inmost depths ,while thou wert living with thy soul still blind4 7,lucifer appears47 ,will now appear and rob thee of the dark ,in whose protection thou wast living then4 ,so now perceive what human soul it is ,to whom thou dost bow down in ardent love1 ,and who indwelt the body thou didst see4 ,perceive to whom thy strongest love is given4 ,,lucifer3 ,sink thyself deep in depths of thine own self2 ,perceive the strongest powers of thine own soul2 ,and learn to know how this strong love of thine ,can hold thee upright in the cosmic life4 ,,thomasius3 ,yea1 now ,i feel the soul that wished to show ,itself to me--'tis ,theodora's self-- ',twas she who wished to be revealed to me4 ,she stood before me since 'tis her ,i'll see ,when ,i have gained an entrance through this gate4 ',tis right to love her1 for her soul did stand ,before me in that other body-form ,which showed me how 'tis her that ,i must love4 ,through thee alone will ,i now find myself ,and win the future1 fighting in thy strength4 ,,the ,,guardian3 ,i cannot keep thee back from what must be4 ,in pictured form thou hast already seen ,the soul thou lovest best2 her shalt thou see ,when thou hast crossed the threshold of this realm4 ,perceive1 and let experience decide ,if it shall prove so healing as thou dream'st4 ,,the ,,other ,,philia3 ,ah1 heed thou not the guardian strict ,who leadeth thee to wastes of life ,and robs thee of thy warmth of soul2 ,he can but see the spirit-forms1 ,and knoweth naught of human woe ,which souls can only then endure ,when earthly love doth guard them safe ,from chilling cosmic space4 ,strictness to him belongs1 ,from him doth kindness flee1 ,and power to wish ,he hath abhorred ,since first the ,earth began4 ,curtain ,,scene #h ,ahriman's ,kingdom4 ,no sky is visible4 ,a dark enclosure like a mountain gorge whose black masses of rock tower up in fantastic forms1 divided by streams of fire4 ,skeletons are visible everywhere2 they appear to be crystallized out of the mountain1 but are white4 ,their attitude suggests the habitual egoism of their last life4 ,prominent on one side is a miser and on the other a massive glutton etc41 etc4 ,ahriman is seated on a rock4 ,hilary1 ,frederick ,trustworthy1 then the ,twelve who were gathered together in the first scene2 then ,strader2 later on ,thomasius and ,maria2 last of all ,thomasius' ,double4 ,,trustworthy3 ,how often have ,i trod this realm before4-- ,and yet how horrible it seems to me ,that e'en from here we must so often fetch ,the wise direction for full many a plan ,which is important for us and our league ,and points significantly to our aims4 ,,hilary3 ,the grain of corn must fall to earth and die ,before the life within it can return4 ,all that in earthly life hath run to waste ,shall here unto new being be transformed4 ,and when our league desires to plant the seeds ,of human acts1 to ripen in due course1 ',tis from the dead that we must fetch the grain4 ,,trustworthy3 ,uncanny is the lord who here bears rule2 ,and if it were not written in our books1 ,which are the greatest treasures of our shrine1 ,that he whom here we often meet1 is good1 ,one would indeed as evil reckon him4 ,,hilary3 ,not only books1 but e'en my spirit-sight ,declares that what is here revealed is good4 ,,ahriman 7in a feigned voice1 sardonically73 ,i know why ye are gathered here again4 ,ye would discover from me how 'twere best ,to guide the soul of him who oft before ,hath stood upon the threshold of your shrine4 ,because ye think ,thomasius is lost ,ye now believe that ,strader is the man ,to do you service in the mystic league4 ,what he hath won for progress of mankind ,by use of powers which follow nature's laws1 ,for this he oweth thanks to me1 since ,i ,hold sway where powers mechanical obtain ,strength for themselves from their creative founts4 ,so all that he may do to help mankind ,it needs must turn itself unto my realm4 ,but this time ,i myself will see to it ,that what ,i wish shall happen to this man ,in future1 since ye lost ,thomasius ,by your own work through leaving me aside4 ,if ye desire to serve the spirit-powers ,ye first must conquer for yourselves those powers ,which in this case ye tried to cast aside4 7,ahriman becomes invisible47 ,,trustworthy 7after a pause1 during which he has withdrawn into himself73 ,exalted ,master1 care oppresseth me ,though ,i have striven long to banish it1 ,for this is laid upon me by strict rules ,which have been ordered for us by our league4 ,but much that shows the life of this same league ,hath made the struggle in my soul severe2 ,yet would ,i ever thankfully submit ,my darkness to the spirit-light1 which thou ,art capable of giving through thy powers4 ,but when ,i must full often clearly see ,thou wert a victim of delusion's snare ,and how thy words1 e'en as events fell out1 ,did often prove so grievously at fault1 ,then have ,i felt as though some wicked elf ,were resting painfully upon my soul4 ,and this time also are thy words at fault4 ,thou couldst have reckoned that we certainly ,should hear good tidings from this spirit here4 ,,hilary3 ',tis hard to understand the cosmic ways4 ,my brother1 we are well-advised to wait ,until the spirit indicates the way ,which is ordained for that which we create4 7,exeunt ,hilary and ,trustworthy47 ,,ahriman 7who has re-appeared73 ,they see1 but do not recognize me yet2 ,for had they known who rules within this place ,they certainly would not have ventured here ,to seek direction2 and they would condemn ,to age-long pains of hell that human soul ,of whom1 they heard1 that it did visit me4 7,all the persons who at the beginning of the play were assembled in the ante-room of the mystic league now appear on the scene2 they are blindfolded to show their ignorance of the fact that they are in ,ahriman's kingdom4 ,the words they speak live in their souls1 but they know nothing of them4 ,they are experiencing during sleep unconscious dreams which are audible in ,ahriman's kingdom4 ,strader1 who also appears1 is however semi-conscious with regard to all that he experiences1 so that later on he will be able to recollect it47 ,,strader3 ,the hint that ,benedictus gave to me ,that ,i should cultivate my power of thought1 ,hath led me to this kingdom of the dead4 ,although ,i hoped that raised to spirit-realms ,i should find truth on wisdom's sun-clad heights4 ,,ahriman3 ,what thou canst learn of wisdom in this place ,thou wilt find all-sufficient for long time1 ,if here thou dost comport thyself aright4 ,,strader3 ,before what spirit doth my soul then stand8 ,,ahriman3 ,that shalt thou know when memory presently ,can call again to thee what here thou see'st4 ,,strader3 ,and all these folk1 why do ,i find them here ,within thy darksome realm8 ,,ahriman3 ',tis but as souls ,that they are in this place3 they do not know ,aught of themselves when here1 since in their homes ,sunk now in deepest sleep they would be found4 ,but here quite clearly all will be revealed ,that lives within their souls1 though they would scarce ,on waking think such thoughts could be their own4 ,so too1 they cannot hear us when we speak4 ,,louisa ,,fear-,,god3 ,the soul should not in blind devotion think ,that it can raise itself in haughty pride ,up to the light1 or that it can unfold ,unto its full extent its own true self4 ,i will but recognize what ,i do know4 ,,ahriman 7only audible to ,strader73 ,and dost not know how bluntly thou dost lead ,in haughty pride thyself into the dark4 ,she too will serve thee1 ,strader1 in the work ,that thou hast wrung so boldly from my powers4 ,she doth not need for that the spirit-faith ,which seems so ill-accorded with her pride4 ,,frederick ,,clear-,,mind3 ,entrancing are indeed these mystic paths2 ,nor will ,i henceforth fail in diligence1 ,but give myself completely to the lore ,that ,i can gather from the ,temple's words4 ,,michael ,,nobleman3 ,the impulse after truth within my soul ,is drawing me toward the spirit-light2 ,the noble teaching which now shines so clear ,in human life1 will surely find that ,i ,am the best pupil that it ever had4 ,,george ,,candid3 ,i ever have been deeply moved by all ,that hath revealed itself from many a source ,of noble mystic spirit-treasuries4 ,with all my heart would ,i yet further strive4 ,,ahriman 7audible only to ,strader73 ,such men mean well3 yet doth their striving stay ,but in the upper layers of their souls4 ,and so can ,i make use for many years ,of all these mighty treasures which lie hid ,unconsciously within their spirits' depths4 ,they too seem useful to my constant aim ,that ,strader's work in mankind's life on earth ,shall with proud brilliance unfold itself4 ,,mary ,,steadfast3 ,a healthy view of life will of itself ,bring to the soul the fruits of spirit-realms ,when men join reverence for the universe ,to a clear view of sense-reality4 ,,ahriman 7audible only to ,strader73 ,she speaks in dreams of this reality2 ,she'll dream so much the better when she wakes4 ,yet she will be of little service now4 ,perchance in her next life she'll help me more1 ,for then she will appear as occultist ,and as need may arise will teach mankind ,about their life since first the ,earth began4 ,and yet she scarce will treasure truth aright2 ,in former lives she oft did ,strader chide ,and now she praiseth him3 so doth she change1 ,and ,lucifer will be more glad of her4 ,,francesca ,,humble3 ,the solemn mystic kingdom will one day ,be pictured by mankind as one great whole1 ,when thought through feeling shall express itself ,and feeling let itself be led by thought4 ,,katharine ,,counsel3 ,mankind1 'tis true1 doth strive to see the light2 ,but strange indeed the methods he pursues4 ,for first he quencheth it1 and is surprised ,that he can find it nowhere in the dark4 ,,ahriman 7audible only to ,strader73 ,so too with souls3 they find it good to talk ,as voicing the well-being of their mind1 ,but underneath they fail in constancy4 ,such are for me quite unapproachable1 ,and yet they will in future much achieve ,from which ,i'll reap a harvest of good fruit4 ,they are by no means what they think themselves4 ,,bernard ,,straight3 ,if knowledge is not gained through cautious search ,then fantasy brings nought but airy forms ,to solve the riddle of the universe1 ,which only can be mastered by strict thought4 ,,erminia ,,stay-,,at-,,home3 ,the cosmic substance must for ever change ,that all existence may unfold itself2 ,and he who fain would keep all things the same ,will lack the power to understand life's aims4 ,,gasper ,,hotspur3 ,to live in fantasy1 doth only mean ,to rob men's souls of every power in life ,through which they can grow strong to serve themselves ,and do true service to their fellow men4 ,,mary ,,dauntless3 ,the soul that would but burden its own self ,should form itself through outside powers alone2 ,true men will only seek development ,from out their hidden personalities4 ,,ahriman 7audible only to ,strader73 ,it is but human what these souls conceal4 ,one cannot tell what they may yet achieve2 ,for ,lucifer may try his power on them1 ,and make them think they are but working out ,each his own powers of soul with steadfast aim2 ,and so perchance he hath not lost them yet4 ,,fox3 ,he who would cosmic riddles rightly read ,must wait till understanding and right thought ,reveal themselves through powers within his life1 ,and he who fain would find his way aright ,must seize all he can use that gives him joy4 ,above all else the search for wisdom's lore ,to give high aims to weak humanity-- ,this leads to nothing on this ,earth of ours4 ,,ahriman 7audible only to ,strader73 ,he hath been chosen as philosopher1 ,and such he will appear in his next life-- ,with him ,i do but balance my account4 ,seven of twelve ,i ever need myself ,and five ,i give to ,brother ,lucifer4 ,from time to time ,i take account of men ,and see both what they are and what they do4 ,and when ,i once have chosen out my twelve ,i do not need to search for any more4 ,for if ,i come in number to thirteen ,the last is just exactly like the first4 ,when ,i have got these twelve within my realm ,and can through their soul-nature fashion them1 ,then others too must ever follow them4 7,to himself2 holding his hands over ,strader's ears so that he shall not hear47 ,true1 none of this have ,i achieved as yet1 ,since ,earth refused to give herself to me4 ,but ,i shall strive throughout eternity1 #a ,until--perchance--,i gain the victory4 ,one must make use of what is not yet lost4 7,the following so that it is again audible to ,strader73 ,thou seest ,i do not flatter with fine words1 ,indeed ,i do not wish to please mankind4 ,he who would inspiration seek for lofty aims ,in speech well-regulated and arranged1 ,needs must betake himself to other worlds4 ,but1 who with reason and a sense for truth ,perceives the things which here ,i bring to pass1 ,he can acknowledge that it is with me ,the powers are found1 without which human souls ,must lose themselves whilst living on the ,earth4 ,the very worlds of gods make use of me1 ,and only seek to draw souls from my grasp ,when ,i grow active in their own domain4 ,and then if my opponent doth succeed ,in leading men astray with this belief ,that my existence hath been proved to be ,unnecessary for the universe1 ,then souls may dream indeed of higher worlds1 ,but strength and power decay in earthly life4 ,,strader3 ,thou seest in me one who would follow thee ,and give his powers to thee to use at will4 ,what ,i have witnessed here doth seem to show ,that all that makes mankind thine enemy ,is lack of reason's power and strength of mind4 ,in truth thou didst not flatter with fine words2 ,for thou didst well-nigh mock these poor weak men ,when it did please thee to portray their fate4 ,i must confess that it seems good to me ,what thou wouldst give unto the souls of men1 ,for they will only be enriched with strength ,for what is good through thee1 and will but gain ,that which is bad1 if they were bad before4 ,if only men did better know themselves ,they must for certain feel with all their hearts ,the bitter scorn that thou dost cast on them4 ,but what is here wrung forth from out my soul8 ,i speak such words as would destroy my life ,if on the ,earth ,i found that they were true4 ,thou must so think2 ,i cannot otherwise ,than find that what thou hast just said is true2 ,yet 'tis but truth when in this realm of thine3 ,it would be error for the world of ,earth ,if it prove there to be what it seems here4 ,i must no further trace my human thoughts ,within this place--they now must have an end4 ,in thy rough words there soundeth pain for thee1 ,and they are painful too in mine own soul4 ,i can--whilst facing thee--but weep--and cry---- 7,exit quickly47 7,enter ,maria and ,thomasius both fully conscious1 so that they can hear and understand all that goes on1 and speak about it47 ,,thomasius3 ,maria1 terror reigns on every side1 ,it closeth in and presseth on my soul2 ,whence shall come inward strength to conquer it8 ,,maria3 ,my holy1 earnest vow doth ray out power3 ,and thou canst bear this pressure on thy soul ,if thou wilt feel the healing power it gives4 ,,ahriman 7to himself73 ',tis ,benedictus who hath sent them here2 ,he guided them that they might recognize ,and know me1 when they feel me in my realm4 7,he speaks the rest so that ,thomasius and ,maria can hear47 ,thomasius1 the ,guardian did direct ,thy footsteps first of all toward my realm ,since they will lead thee to the very light ,thou seekest in the depths of thine own self4 ,here ,i can give thee truth although with pain1 ,as ,i have suffered many thousand years1 ,for though the truth can penetrate to me1 ,it must first separate itself from joy ,before it dares to venture though my porch4 ,,thomasius3 ,so must ,i joylessly behold the soul ,whom ,i so ardently desire to see8 ,,ahriman3 ,a wish doth only lead to happiness ,when warmth of soul can cherish it2 but here ,all wishes freeze1 and needs must live in cold4 ,,maria3 ,e'en in the ever empty fields of ice ,i may go with my friend1 where he will be ,encircled by the light which spirits bring ,when darkness wounds and maims the powers of life4 ,thomasius1 feel now thy soul's full strength4 7,the ,guardian appears upon the ,threshold47 ,,ahriman3 ,the ,guardian himself must bring the light ,that thou dost now so ardently desire4 ,,thomasius3 ',tis ,theodora whom ,i wish to see4 ,,the ,,guardian3 ,the soul that on my threshold clothed itself ,in that same veil which many years ago ,it wore on earth1 hath kindled in the depths ,of thine own soul in solemn hours of life ,the strongest love which was concealed in thee4 ,while thou wert standing yet outside this realm ,and first didst beg from me an entrance here1 ,it stood before thee in a pictured form1 ,and1 being thus conceived by inward wish1 ,can only show delusion's vain conceits4 ,but now thou shalt in very truth behold ,the soul that in a life of long ago ,was dwelling in that old man whom thou saw'st4 ,,thomasius3 ,i see him now again in his long cloak1 ,that worthy ancient with his earnest brow2 ,o soul1 who dwelt within this covering ,why dost thou hide thyself so long from me8 ,it must--it can--but ,theodora be4 ,ah1 see--now from the covered picture1 comes ,reality3 'tis ,theo 444 'tis myself---- 7,as ,thomasius begins the name ',theodora1' his ,double appears47 ,,his ,,double 7coming close up to ,thomasius73 ,perceive me--and then know thyself in me4 ,,maria3 ,and ,i may follow thee to cosmic depths ,where souls can win perception e'en as gods ,by conquest that destroyeth1 yet acquires ,by bold persistence life from seeming death4 7,peals of thunder1 and increasing darkness47 ,curtain ,,scene #i ,a pleasant1 sunny morning landscape1 in a terraced garden overlooking a town with many factories4 ,benedictus1 ,capesius1 ,maria1 ,thomasius1 and ,strader are discovered walking up and down and engaged in leisurely conversation4 ,benedictus wears a white biretta and is in his white robe1 but without the golden stole4 ,,capesius3 ,here is the place1 where ,benedictus oft ,in soft warm sunlight of a summer morn ,gave himself to his pupils that they might ,in reverent mood receive his wisdom's words4 ,out yonder lies what ever must divide ,with pitiless intent the souls of men ,from all the wondrous beauty of the earth1 ,that nature's ,god doth shower so bounteous here4 ,in yon waste sea of houses in the town ,doth ,benedictus ever nobly strive ,to heal this human woe by deeds of love4 ,and when with human words so wise and true ,he tells his pupils of the spirit-world1 ,he seeks for hearts1 which free creative power ,that here reveals itself in wakening souls1 ,hath filled with sunshine and with love for men4 ,i1 too1 may now behold the happiness ,which through his words doth reach the heart of man4 ,since he in love hath underta'en the task ,of guiding me within the spirit-world3 ,and now when ,i may feel that he is near ,i shall again discover mine own self4 ,,benedictus3 ,within the circle of my pupils here ,through free-will acts of others and thyself ,a knot shall one day loosen in the threads ,which ,karma spins in lives of men on earth4 ,thy life itself will help to loose this knot4 ,in hearts of men who give themselves in truth ,to follow wisdom1 which ,i serve myself1 ,thou canst by thine own power discover those ,joined unto whom thou wilt complete the work ,for which in spirit thou hast been prepared4 ,,capesius3 ,thee have ,i known1 and ,i will follow thee4 ,as ,i held converse with mine inmost soul1 ,when ,i had been allowed to hear thy words ,within the spirit-realm in their true form1 ,and thou hadst brought me to myself again1 ,then could ,i see portrayed in spirit-light ,the aims which in the progress of the earth ,i was to follow in my future lives4 ,and now ,i know that thou didst choose for me ,the one right way for this to be revealed4 ,,benedictus3 ,thomasius and ,strader will henceforth ,united with thyself accomplish much ,that best may serve to further human health4 ,they have prepared the soul-powers which are theirs ,with such intent since first the ,earth began ,that they can join to form a trinity ,with thine own spirit in the cosmic course4 ,,capesius3 ,so ,i must thank my fate's unbending powers ,which seemed at first incomprehensible1 ,that when the rightful moment came at last ,my life's aim suddenly revealed itself4 7,he pauses meditatively47 ,how wonderfully hast thou led me on3 ,it seemed at first as if ,i strove in vain ,to enter with my spirit consciously ,into those worlds which by thy words are placed ,so thoughtfully before the souls of men4 ,for many years ,i could find nought but thoughts ,when in thy writings ,i absorbed myself4 ,and then1 quite suddenly1 around me flowed ,the spirit-world in its reality2 ,i scarce knew how to find myself aright ,within my former more accustomed world4 ,,benedictus3 ,that would have hid the spirit-life from thee ,for ever by its strong effective power ,unless the stronger forces of this life ,had first reduced it to a shadow dim4 ,and so thou too1 with thy full spirit-sight ,must on that threshold learn to know thyself1 ,where others first can gain their spirit-sight4 7,during the last words ,strader walks up to ,capesius and the three go away together3 after a short time ,benedictus returns with ,strader47 ,,strader3 ,it gave deep pain1 within mine inmost self ,and weighed with heavy pressure on my soul ,when on awaking to myself ,i found ,i was again within my body pent ,from which thy words had given me release4 ,my deadened soul-life first tormented me ,on my return1 yet 'twas not only pain2 ,for it brought forth in me the memory ,of all ,i lived through ere ,i saw with dread ,what ,i could learn from ,ahriman himself1 ,that every thought must cease its progress there4 ,i had to ask myself why ,i was set ,by ,benedictus' word within this realm ,where souls alone are taken into count ,and only those are valued which can help ,toward the objects1 which that power desires ,to make his own through deeds that ,i have done4 ,he1 in his wisdom1 wanted to select ,twelve helpers from the number of mankind4 ,,benedictus3 ,yet 'tis well known to thee why all these souls1 ,which ,ahriman showed forth1 drew near to thee1 ,when he would force himself upon their fates4 ,,strader3 ,that also bitter pain revealed to me3 ,it showed how in a former life on ,earth ,i was united to a brotherhood ,which now hath formed again its mystic league1 ,and how those people stood towards myself1 ,who were in their true nature then revealed4 ,and ,i could feel quite sure that ,ahriman ,will use the bond1 which e'en in future lives ,must ever surely bind their souls to mine4 ,,benedictus3 ,the cosmic powers do so direct their deeds ,that these with cosmic progress may unite ,by following in wisdom number's laws4 ,the sign how this direction is fulfilled ,shows itself clearly to the outer sense2 ,if it doth watch the ,sun upon the course ,he takes throughout the constellations twelve4 ,it is his place amongst those very signs ,which shows how on the ,earth things come to pass ,in strict succession in long course of time4 ,so ,ahriman desired to mould the souls ,of those who are united thus to thee ,to powers from whence thy work might shine afar4 ,he also wished to follow number's laws ,in binding their soul-nature unto thine4 ,,strader3 ,since ,i have learned the sense of number's law1 ,so shall ,i too succeed in rescuing ,my work from out the realm of ,ahriman ,and offering it to the gods of ,earth4 ,,benedictus3 ,it was through ,ahriman thou hadst to learn ,the sense of number in the universe2 ,so was it needful for thine own soul's good4 ',twas spirit-pupilship that guided thee ,into that realm1 which thou didst need to know ,if thy creative power should bloom aright4 7,exeunt ,benedictus and ,strader4 ,maria and ,thomasius appear from the other side47 ,,maria3 ,johannes1 knowledge hath thy soul acquired ,from truth's cold realms4 ,no longer wilt thou now ,weave only in thy pictures that which souls1 ,still pent within the body1 live in dreams1 ,for far from cosmic progress are those thoughts ,which but as self-begotten show themselves4 ,,thomasius3 ',tis love of self--although they may pretend ',tis thirst for knowledge maketh them do this4 ,,maria3 ,whoe'er desires to dedicate himself ,to human progress and perform such work ,as shall in course of time prove living force ,must first entrust himself unto those powers ,who work in deep realities and bring1 ,where order with confusion aye doth fight1 ,the rhythmic law of number and its power4 ,for knowledge only hath true active life1 ,that can reveal itself within the soul ,when it can bring to men1 still clothed in flesh1 ,the memory of life in spirit-realms4 ,,thomasius3 ,my course of life is thus made clear to me4 ,i had to feel myself a twofold man4 ,through ,benedictus' help and through thine own ,i am a being standing by myself2 ,and all the forces that within me stir ,do not belong at all to mine own self4 ,ye now have given me a manhood new ,who must be willing to give other men ,what he hath gained by spirit-pupilship4 ,he must devote himself unto the world ,as best he can3 naught from that other man ,must mingle and disturb what now at last ,he hath as true self-knowledge recognized4 ,contained in his own world he will go on1 ,if his own strength and help from both his friends ,shall in the future serve to form his fate4 ,,maria3 ,whether thou walk'st in error or in truth ,thou canst keep ever clear the view ahead2 ,which lets thy soul press farther on its path1 ,if thou dost bravely bear necessities ,imposed upon thee by the spirit-realm4 ,curtain ,,scene #aj ,the ,temple of the mystic ,league mentioned in the first and second pictures4 ,here ,benedictus1 ,torquatus1 and ,trustworthy have the robes and insignia of their office of ,hierophant as described in the ',portal of ,initiation4' ,the ,eastern altar supports a golden sphere2 a blue sphere rests upon the ,southern altar2 whilst the sphere upon the altar of the ,west is red4 ,as the scene opens ,benedictus and ,hilary are standing at the altar in the ,east2 ,bellicosus and ,torquatus at the altar in the ,south2 ,trustworthy at the altar in the ,west2 then enter ,thomasius1 ,capesius1 ,strader2 then ,maria1 ,felix ,balde1 and ,dame ,balde2 and later on the ,soul of ,theodora2 and last of all the four ,soul-,forces4 ,,benedictus3 ,the souls of all my pupils have received ,the spirit-light1 each in that special form ,which was appointed for him by his fate4 ,what they have now achieved each for himself ,each now must render fruitful for mankind4 ,but this can only happen1 if their powers ,according unto number's rhythmic law ,desire to join within the holy place ,to form the higher unity1 which first ,can waken to true life what otherwise ,could only stay in solitary state4 ,they stand upon the threshold of the shrine1 ,whose souls must first unite1 and then shall sound ,in unison according to the rules ,imprinted in the cosmic book of fate4 ,that what it could not bring to pass itself ,the spirit harmony may thus achieve4 ',twill bring fresh inspiration to the old ,which here hath nobly reigned since time was not4 ,to you1 ye brethren1 ,i these pupils bring ,who found their way here through the spirit-worlds ,and through the strictest proving of their souls4 ,the holy customs will they treat with awe4 ,and treasure ancient sacred mystic ways ,which here are seen as powers of spirit-light4 ,ye too1 who have fulfilled in truest wise ,your lofty spirit-service for so long1 ,henceforth will be entrusted with new tasks4 ,the cosmic plan doth call the sons of men ,but for a time unto the sacred shrine1 ,and when in service they exhaust their strength ,it guideth them to other fields of work4 ,even this temple had to stand its trial2 ,and one man's error had to guard it once1 ,the guardian of the light--from darkness deep1 ,one cosmic hour big with the fate of worlds4 ,thomasius perceived through inward light ,which rules unconscious in the souls of men1 ,that o'er its threshold he must not pursue ,his way unto the holy mystic shrine ,ere he had crossed that other threshold o'er1 ,of which this only is the outward sign4 ,so of himself he shut the door again ,which you would fain have opened wide in love4 ,he will now as another come again ,worthy of your initiation's gift4 ,,hilary3 ,our souls here humbly offer sacrifice ,unto the spirit by whose power alone ,the inner soul of man is fructified4 ,and we would strive that our own wills may be ,a revelation of the spirit-will4 ,by cosmic wisdom is the temple led ,which unconfused doth guide to future times4 ,thou showest us directions which thyself ,hast read within the cosmic book of fate1 ,what time thy pupils passed their proof severe4 ,so lead them now within our sacred shrine1 ,that they may join their work unto our own4 7,hilary knocks within the ,temple2 then enter ,thomasius1 ,capesius1 ,maria1 ,felix ,balde1 ,dame ,balde1 and ,strader4 ,trustworthy and ,torquatus so guide their entrance that when they come to the middle of the ,temple1 ,thomasius is standing in front of ,benedictus and ,hilary1 ,capesius in front of ,bellicosus and ,torquatus1 ,strader in front of ,trustworthy1 whilst ,maria is with ,felix and ,dame ,balde47 ,,hilary3 ,my son1 the words man utters in this place ,spell guilt which cries aloud to spirit-worlds ,unless the speaker follows truth alone4 ,as great the guilt1 so strong too are the powers ,which strike it1 and destroy the one who speaks ,and proves himself unworthy of his task4 ,he who is standing here before thee now1 ,was conscious of the working of his words ,and tried to full extent of all his powers ,to render service to the spirit-world ,before this holy symbol of that light ,which shines upon our ,earth from out the east4 ,it is the will of fate that thou henceforth ,shalt stand and serve within this sacred place4 ,and he who consecrates thee to the task ,and of his office hands thee now the key1 ,doth give his blessing also that it may ,prove of good service1 in so far as he ,hath served the sacred customs worthily4 ,,thomasius3 ,exalted ,master1 he would not presume-- ,this poor weak mortal1 who doth dare to stand ,before thee now in body1--e'en to shape ,one wish that thy successor he might be ,within this ancient consecrated place4 ,he is not worthy e'en to place one step ,across the threshold of this mystic shrine1 ,but what he dares not wish for1 for himself1 ,he must perceive in deep humility ,since powers of fate have of necessity ,desired to send this call unto his soul4 ,it was not ,i1 as ,i am in my life ,nor as ,i saw myself a short time back ,in spirit1 as a wholly worthless soul1 ,that let me now draw near unto this place4 ,and yet the man who stands here visible ,hath been1 by ,benedictus and his friend1 ,endowed with second manhood1 which the first ,shall henceforth only as a bearer serve4 ,the spirit-pupilship hath given me ,a self that can show forth itself with power ,and to the full unfold its own pursuits ,e'en when the bearer needs must know himself ,full far removed from lofty aims of soul4 ,if1 in such case1 his duty it doth seem ,to give this second self that's roused in him ,to service in the progress of the ,earth ,his life must aye observe this strictest rule ,to be a light before his spirit-eyes1 ,that nought from his own self must enter in ,nor cause disturbance in that work1 which he ,hath not himself arranged nor brought to pass ,but which his second self must execute4 ,concealed within himself he thus will work ,that one day he may be what he doth know ,to be the future goal of his true self4 ,throughout his life he'll carry his own cares ,locked fast in deep recesses of his soul4 ,i told thee when at first thou called'st me ,that ,i could never tread the temple courts ,in mine own human personality4 ,he who now comes1 as though another's life ,had been entrusted to him1 sees that fate ,hath laid on him the task of watching o'er ,results of his own work and guiding them ,with dutiful attention from this place ,for such time as the spirit doth command4 ,,torquatus 7in the ,south1 to ,capesius73 ,capesius1 henceforth 'twill be thy task ,to serve the holy temple in this place ,whence love through wisdom shall stream forth to men ,as warmly as the sunshine's noontide rays4 ,he who would to the spirit sacrifice ,with understanding of the mystic work1 ,must needs face dangers here1 for ,lucifer ,can in this place draw near with secret tread ,to whomsoever faithfully doth try ,to carry out the spirit-service here1 ,and on each word he can impress the seal ,that marks the adversary of the gods4 ,thou stood'st before the adversary's throne ,and saw'st what follows his activities2 ,so for thine office thou art well prepared4 ,,capesius3 ,he who hath viewed the adversary's realm ,as powers of fate permitted me to do1 ,he knows that 'good' and 'evil' are but words ,which mankind scarce can understand aright4 ,who speaks of ,lucifer as wholly bad ,might also say that fire is evil too1 ,because it hath a power that can kill life2 ,he might call water evil1 since a man ,might in the water easily be drowned4 ,,torquatus3 ,through other things doth ,lucifer appear ,as evil to thee2 not through that which he ,would indicate as evil of himself4 ,,capesius3 ,the cosmic spirit who could bring the light ,to souls of men when first the ,earth was formed ,must render service to the universe1 ,in ways which in themselves seem neither good ,nor evil unto spirits who have learned ,what stern necessity doth oft reveal4 ,for good can turn to ill1 if evil minds ,make use of it for their destructive ends2 ,and what seems evil may be turned to good ,if some good being guideth it aright4 ,,torquatus3 ,so dost thou know what thou wilt have to do ,so long as thou dost stand within this place4 ,love doth not value powers that are revealed ,within the world by judgment's stern decree-- ,she treasures them for what they may bring forth ,and asks how she can mould and use the life ,which is created out of cosmic depths4 ,,benedictus 7in the ,east73 ,yet love speaks often with such gentle words1 ,and needs support within the depths of soul4 ,here in this place she will unite with all ,that follows cosmic law with threefold will ,and is unto the spirit dedicate4 ,maria will unite her work to thine4 ,the vow she took in ,lucifer's domain ,is now permitted to ray forth its powers4 ,,maria3 ,capesius spake words of deep import ,which can reveal the truth if they proceed ,from that same spirit which can guide mankind ,toward true love1 in progress of the ,earth1 ,but which but error upon error heap ,when they are fashioned by an evil mind ,and in the soul transform themselves to ill4 ',tis true that ,lucifer doth show himself ,as bearer of the light to man's soul-sight ,when it would seek to gaze on spirit-space4 ,but then the human soul will always wish ,to waken also in its inmost depths ,what it can only gaze on and admire4 ,although upon his beauty it may look ,ne'er may it fall 'neath ,lucifer's fell sway ,lest he should gain the power to work within4 ,when he1 the bearer of the light1 sends forth ,his rays of wisdom and the worlds are filled ,with haughty sense of self1 and with full light ,each creature's personality shines forth ,a pattern of his own imperious self1 ,then may the inmost being of the soul ,build up on this appearance1 and rejoice ,in all its senses1 whilst it radiates ,the joy of wisdom1 all around1 that lives ,in its own self and loves to feel alive4 ,but1 more than any other spirit1 man ,requires a ,god who doth not only ask ,for admiration when his outward form ,reveals itself in glory to the soul1 ,but ,one who radiates ,his highest power ,when ,he ,himself doth dwell within man's soul1 ,and loving unto death foretelleth life4 ,a man may turn to ,lucifer and feel ,inspired by beauty1 or some splendour bright3 ,and yet so live his life within himself ,that ,lucifer can ne'er find entrance there2 ,but to that other ,spirit man doth cry1 ,when he can fathom his own self aright3 ',the goal of love for earthly souls--'tis this ,not ,i1 but ,christ1 doth live within me now4' ,,benedictus 7turning to ,maria73 ,and when her soul shall to her spirit bow ,as she hath vowed to ,lucifer1 it shall1 ,then through her power on to the temple stream ,with all that leads unto the health of ,earth4 ,and ,christ will kindle in the hallowed place ,of wisdom warming rays of spirit-love4 ,what she can thus accomplish in the world ,is done because the course of her own life ,is bound up closely with that knot of fate ,which ,karma spins in human lives on ,earth4 ,in some long-past existence1 it was she ,who caused the son to leave his father's home2 ,and now she leads the son to him again4 ,the soul1 which in ,thomasius now dwells ,in former life was to that one which now ,fulfils itself within ,capesius1 ,as son to father bound by ties of blood4 ,the father will not now through ,lucifer ,demand the debt ,maria owes to him1 ,for by ,christ's power1 the debt hath been annulled4 ,,magnus ,,bellicosus 7speaking to ,hilary and ,benedictus1 but frequently turning to ,felix ,balde and ,dame ,balde73 ,within the holy place doth shine the light ,which flows with power from out the spirit-heights1 ,when souls can worthily receive its strength4 ,but yet those lofty powers of wisdom's realm ,which thus reveal themselves in mystic shrines ,have chosen also other paths to souls4 ,the signs of our own times have made it clear ,that all these paths must now be joined in one4 ,the temple must unite itself with souls ,who have reached spirit-light in other ways ,and yet have been enlightened in good truth4 ,now ,dame ,felicia and her husband too1 ,are such as may approach this sacred place ,and who can bring to it a wealth of light4 ,,dame ,,balde3 ,i can but tell the fairy-tales that rise ,within my heart quite of their own accord-- only know about their spirit-source ,what oft ,capesius hath told to me4 ,in all humility ,i must believe1 ,what he hath told me of my gift of soul2 ,so also ,i believe what ye make clear ,why ,i am called within these temple walls4 ,,felix ,,balde3 ,i followed not alone the outward call ,sent to me by the guardian of this shrine2 ,but true unto my spirit-pathway's goal ,i have applied myself unto the power ,which1 as mine inmost guide1 doth ever point ,in what direction ,i shall turn my steps ,that ,i may best be able to fulfil ,in life what spirit-powers have foreordained4 ,this time ,i saw quite clearly ,i was meant ,to shun that way which ,benedictus now ,hath shown his pupils in the spirit-life4 ,the signs that now ,i see within this shrine ,appeared to me in vision previously4 ,for often when my soul did tread the depths ,and all self-will had been destroyed in me1 ,and power and patience could maintain themselves ,in that dread loneliness which aye approached ,before ,i could experience spirit-light1 ,then all the universe seemed one with me1 ,and soon ,i found myself within that world1 ,where life's true purpose was revealed to me4 ,during such spirit-wand'rings ,i have been ,in many a temple which it seems to me ,resembles that which now my sense perceives1 ,just as the writing of the spoken word ,must show a written picture of the speech4 ,,trustworthy 7in the ,west1 to ,strader73 ,dear ,strader1 it is now thy destiny ,to speak that word henceforth within the shrine ,which will agree with all ,thomasius ,makes known to us1 as sunset must agree ,with that hope-giving glow of morning light4 ,this word1 in its full sense doth seize upon ,the working of that ,power who showed himself ,to thee1 when thou wert standing on thy trial4 ,thou hadst to stand within that spirit-place ,where thought is strictly ordered to stand still4 ,for if thine hand should wield a hammer now ,and only strike the air1 it could not know ,the power it hath1 unless the blow should reach ,some anvil2 even so it is with thought4 ,it ne'er could really fathom its own depth ,if ,ahriman were not opposed to it4 ,all thought within thy life hath led thee on ,to contradict thyself and this hath caused ,within thy soul both pain and heavy doubt4 ,thus didst thou learn to know thyself through thought2 ,as light can only gaze upon itself1 ,but through reflection that its rays cast forth2 ,the words of him who serves the temple here ,thus1 in a picture1 life's reflection show4 ,,strader3 ,in truth the light of thought for long time streamed ,but through reflection into mine own life2 ,yet for full seven years the spirit showed ,itself to me in its bright splendour too1 ,and did reveal those worlds unto my soul1 ,in front of which my soul had formerly ,stood ever still in torment and in doubt4 ,within my soul this light must grow so deep ,that it shall last through all eternity1 ,if ,i would find the path to spirit-aims ,and make my own creations bring forth health4 ,,theodora 7becoming visible1 as a spirit-being1 at ,strader's side73 ,i was allowed to win this light for you1 ,because thy power did strive toward my light1 ,as soon as thy right time had been fulfilled4 ,,strader3 ,so too thy light1 thou spirit-messenger1 ,will stream o'er all the words that in this place ,shall be wrung forth from out mine inmost soul4 ,for ,theodora's self is now with mine ,to holy mystic service consecrate4 7,philia1 ,astrid1 ,luna1 and the ,other ,philia appear in a glowing cloud of light47 ,,the ,,other ,,philia3 ,to ,earth's primeval source ,mount thoughts of sacrifice ,from many a holy shrine2 ,let all that lives in souls1 ,let all that spirit lights ,soar to the world of form2 ,let cosmic-powers incline ,with graciousness to men1 ,to kindle spirit-light ,within their powers of soul4 ,,philia3 ,from cosmic spirits ,i ,will beg their being's light1 ,the soul-sense to uphold2 ,the sound too of their words1 ,to loose the spirit-ear1 ,that what hath been aroused ,upon the paths of soul ,may not become extinct ,in lives of men on ,earth4 ,,astrid3 ,the love-streams will ,i guide ,that fill the world with warmth ,unto the spirits of ,initiated men1 ,that thus the sacred rite ,may be preserved and kept ,within the hearts of men4 ,,luna3 ,from primal powers will ,i ,for might and courage pray1 ,for these will help to make ,self-sacrifice to grow1 ,so that it may transform ,what now is seen in time ,and change to spirit-seeds ,for all eternity4 ,curtain falls while all the characters1 including ,theodora1 ,philia1 ,astrid1 ,luna1 and the ,other ,philia are still inside the ,temple4 ,,the ,,soul',s ,,awakening ,,summary ,,of ,,the ,,scenes ,scene #a3 ,hilary's business is threatened with disaster because of his attempt to introduce into it his spiritual ideals and occult methods4 ,he has engaged as controller of his machinery1 ,strader1 who is generally known to be a failure because of his unpractical inventions4 ,with him comes a group of similar cranks4 ,hilary's old manager is in despair4 ,scene #b3 ,johannes is a prey to delusion and loves to wander in his own dreamland4 ,he is warned by ,maria and ,benedictus4 ,capesius1 in a moment of clairvoyance gets a glimpse of ,johannes' inner mood1 and is so alarmed that he decides that there can be no blending of spiritual gifts with earthly things1 and he withdraws from ,hilary's group and goes to the old mystic ,felix4 ,maria urges ,johannes to discriminate between truth end self-delusion which can be done by the study of elemental sprites4 ,the dance of gnomes and sylphs4 ,the youth of ,johannes appears4 ,it is in despair because it is separated from ,johannes4 ,lucifer tries to console it with promises of human wisdom and love of beauty4 ,theodora offers divine wisdom4 ,scene #c3 ,arguments on various phases of occult development4 ,during the discussion1 ,ahriman glides stealthily across the stage to bring dissension and confusion of thought among the speakers1 who are ignorant of his presence4 ,strader's temptations4 ,felix speaks on mysticism4 ,the appearance in spirit form of ,maria and ,benedictus to help ,strader1 and of ,ahriman to thwart him4 ,there is a repetition of ,strader's part in ,scene ,,ii4 ,scene #d3 ,similar discussions between ,hilary's manager and ,romanus4 ,ahriman had succeeded in separating the various mystics4 ,during the discussion1 ,romanus1 by his arguments on occultism1 makes a great impression upon the manager4 ,johannes and his double4 ,ahriman scoffs at the ,guardian of the ,threshold4 ,strader with ,benedictus4 ,the vision of the latter is troubled2 he--the occult leader--is mistaken4 ,scene #e3 ,the ,spirit ,world4 ,this scene needs careful meditation and some knowledge of the author's system4 ,attention should be given to the indications of the planetary spheres--,mercury1 ,venus1 ,sun1 ,jupiter1 and ,saturn--to which in turn we expand after death4 ,heed should be paid to the warning given by the ,guardian of the ,threshold4 ,lucifer here appears as a beneficent guide1 so1 too1 the other ,philia4 ,scene #f3 ,the ,spirit ,world4 ,the same remarks apply4 ,capesius is struck by the figures of his previous incarnations1 as shown in the former plays4 ,the ,guardian of the ,threshold will allow an even earlier incarnation to appear4 7,scenes #g and #h3 ,the earlier incarnations in ,egypt giving the key to the four plays1 and showing the origin of development of the different characters47 ,scene #g3 ,shows in a remarkable way how the future development of the ,baldes and ,capesius is going to proceed4 ,the concluding speech of the hierophant foreshadows the approach of a new ,era when candidates for initiation will get the hidden light independently and not under the hypnotic suggestion of the guiding priest4 ,scene #h3 ,drop scene4 ,egyptian woman 7otherwise ,johannes ,thomasius7 is in love with a man who is a neophyte or candidate for mysticism and about to retire from the world4 ,this mystic is known to us otherwise as ,maria4 ,scene #h3 ,about #bjjj ,b4,c4 ,the hierophant 7,capesius7 has refused to use his thought power to suggest to the candidate what his vision should be4 ,the candidate has a free vision looking far into the future4 ,a breath of love and freedom is wafted into the closely sealed precincts4 ',the truth shall make thee free4' ,but with this rebellion against the old order1 there is a consequence4 ,lucifer and ,ahriman hitherto chained within the temple break their chains and begin to work their will4 ,the ancient temple has been invaded1 but the ,ego begins to wake4 ,the reader will not overlook1 in all this cosmic development1 the individual development of the different characters which are difficult to understand from the other plays without this glimpse into their previous incarnation4 ,the author has presented it in this order1 because it corresponds to the reader's own experience4 ,scene #i3 ,maria's awakening4 ,the reminiscence in waking of what has happened in a psychic condition4 ,scene #aj3 ,johannes' awakening4 ,the quotations refer to ,scenes #g and #h4 ,scene #aa3 ,strader's awakening4 ,benedictus' vision is again clouded4 ,the reason here is probably ,strader's approaching death4 ,the quotations refer to ,scene #c4 ,scene #ab3 ,ahriman's manner1 shape1 and speech betray the fact that he is being found out by the followers of ,benedictus4 ,ahriman hopes1 however1 to catch ,strader4 ,note the satire indulged in at the expense of those occultists1 theosophists1 and others whose air of superiority makes them a laughing stock4 ,note also the last line showing the importance of remembering the dead4 ,scene #ac3 ,hilary and ,romanus4 ,scene #ad3 ,strader's death is announced and ,hilary's manager is converted4 ,scene #ae3 ,secretary and ,nurse4 ,the ,secretary's speech4 ,ahriman's shape is here even more that of the conventional devil than in ,scene #ab4 ,this is to show that his true nature is now fully grasped by ,benedictus and his followers4 ,this is seen in ,ahriman's last speech4 ,note ,benedictus' speech about the dead and their messages4 ,benedictus tells ,ahriman that one can only serve ,good when one does good not for oneself4 ,the triumph and initiation of ,strader and his future power4 ,the defeat and exit of ,ahriman4 ,,persons1 ,,figures1 ,,and ,,events ,the psychic and spiritual events portrayed in this play are to be conceived as following1 at about a year's interval1 those delineated in ',the ,guardian of the ,threshold4' ,i4 ,representatives of the ,element of ,spirit3 #a4 ,benedictus1 the personality in whom a number of his 'pupils' recognize the sage who knows the deep spiritual connection of earthly events4 ,in my earlier soul pictures ',the ,portal of ,initiation' and ',the ,soul's ,probation1' he is portrayed as the ,hierophant of the ,sun-,temple2 in ',the ,guardian of the ,threshold' he manifests that particular phase of spiritual activity which aims to substitute the actual spiritual life of modern times for the merely traditional views upheld therein by the ,mystic ,brotherhood4 ,in ',the ,soul's ,awakening' ,benedictus must no longer be conceived only as a sage who has authority over his pupils but also as having his own psychic destiny interwoven with their psychic experiences4 #b4 ,hilary ,true-to-,god1 the adept in traditional spiritual life1 which1 in his case1 is accompanied by individual spirit-experience4 ,he is the same individuality who appears in ',the ,soul's ,probation' as ,grand ,master of a ,mystic ,brotherhood4 #c4 ,the ,manager of ,hilary's business of sawmills4 #d4 ,hilary's ,secretary4 ,he appears in ',the ,guardian of the ,threshold' as ,frederick ,clear-,mind4 ,,ii4 ,representatives of the ,element of ,sacrifice3 #a4 ,magnus ,bellicosus named ,germanus in ',the ,portal of ,initiation4' ,in ',the ,soul's ,probation' and in the ',guardian of the ,threshold' he is the ,preceptor of a ,mystic ,brotherhood4 #b4 ,albertus ,torquatus named ',theodosius' in ',the ,portal of ,initiation4' ,he appears in the ',soul's ,probation' as the ,first ,master of ,ceremonies of the ,mystic ,brotherhood4 #c4 ,professor ,capesius appearing in ',the ,soul's ,probation' as ,first ,preceptor4 #d4 ,felix ,balde1 representing in ',the ,portal of ,initiation' a kind of natural mysticism1 but here1 a subjective mysticism4 ,he appears as ,joseph ,keane in ',the ,soul's ,probation4' ,,iii4 ,representatives of the ,element of ,will3 #a4 ,romanus who is here re-introduced under the same name used for him in ',the ,portal of ,initiation' because it expresses the inner state of being to which he has worked upwards during the years which elapse between ',the ,portal of ,initiation' and the ',awakening4' ,in ',the ,guardian of the ,threshold' the name given him of ,frederick ,trustworthy is the one by which he is supposed to be known in the physical world1 and the name is used there because his inner life has very little to do with the events represented4 ,in ',the ,soul's ,probation' he appears as ,second ,master of ,ceremonies in the medival ,mystic ,brotherhood4 #b4 ,doctor ,strader the individual appearing in ',the ,soul's ,probation' as the ,jew1 ,simon4 #c4 ,the ,nurse of ,doctor ,strader the individual called ,mary ,steadfast in ',the ,guardian of the ,threshold4' ,in ',the ,portal of ,initiation' she is known as ',the ,other ,maria' because the imaginative perception of ,johannes ,thomasius constructs1 under her guise1 an imaginative picture of certain nature-forces4 ,her individuality appears in ',the ,soul's ,probation' as ,bertha1 ,keane's daughter4 #d4 ,dame ,balde who appears in ',the ,soul's ,probation' as ,dame ,keane4 ,,iv4 ,representatives of the ,element of ,soul3 #a4 ,maria whose individuality appears in ',the ,soul's ,probation' as the ,monk4 #b4 ,johannes ,thomasius whose individuality appears in ',the ,soul's ,probation' as ,thomas4 #c4 ,hilary's wife4 ,v4 ,beings from the ,spirit ,world3 #a4 ,lucifer4 #b4 ,ahriman4 #c4 ,gnomes4 #d4 ,sylphs4 ,,vi4 ,beings of the ,element of ,human ,spirit3 #a4 ,philia ,the spiritual beings through whose agency the #b4 ,astrid human ,soul-forces are connected with the ,cosmos4 #c4 ,luna #d4 ,the ',other' ,philia1 representing the element of ,love in the world to which the spirit-personality belongs4 #e4 ,the ,soul of ,theodora appearing in ',the ,soul's ,probation' as ,cecilia1 foster daughter of ,keane and sister of ,thomas who impersonates ,johannes ,thomasius4 #f4 ,the ,guardian of the ,threshold4 #g4 ,the ,double of ,johannes ,thomasius4 #h4 ,the ,spirit of ,johannes ,thomasius' ,youth4 #i4 ,the ,soul of ,ferdinand ,fox in the realm of ,ahriman 7,scene #ab74 ,he appears as ,ferdinand ,fox only in ',the ,guardian of the ,threshold4' ,,vii4 ,the personalities of ,benedictus and ,maria also appear as mental experiences1 to wit3 ,in the second scene as those of ,johannes ,thomasius1 in the third scene as those of ,strader4 ,maria appears thus to ,johannes ,thomasius in ,scene #i4 ,,viii4 ,the individualities of ,benedictus1 ,hilary ,true-to-,god1 ,magnus ,bellicosus1 ,albertus ,torquatus1 ,strader1 ,capesius1 ,felix ,balde1 ,dame ,balde1 ,romanus1 ,maria1 ,johannes ,thomasius and ,theodora appear in the spirit-realm in the fifth and sixth scenes of this play1 as 'souls'2 and in the temple in the seventh and eighth scenes as personalities living in a far distant past4 ,in connection with ',the ,soul's ,awakening' it is advisable again to draw attention to a point already made with reference to the preceding soul-pictures4 ,neither the spiritual nor the psychic events nor the spiritual beings are intended to be mere symbols or allegories4 ,anyone interpreting them in this manner would quite misconceive the real being of the spiritual world4 ,even in the mental experiences which are shown 7in the second1 third1 and tenth scenes7 nothing merely symbolical is portrayed4 ,they are genuine psychic experiences1 as real for a person who has access to the spirit world as are persons and events in the world of the senses4 ,such a person will find ',the ,awakening' a thoroughly realistic soul-picture4 ,were the case one of mere symbolism or allegory1 ,i should certainly have left these scenes unwritten4 ,in response to various questions1 ,i had once more attempted to add a few 'supplementary remarks' in explanation of this 'soul-picture2' but as on former occasions1 ,i again suppress the attempt4 ,i feel averse to adding material of this kind to a picture intended to speak for itself4 ,such abstract considerations have no part to play in the conception and working-out of the picture1 and would only be a discordant element4 ,the spiritual realities1 here set forth1 present themselves to the soul as convincingly as physical things present themselves to our bodily perception4 ,yet1 as is natural1 an unclouded spiritual vision views the beings and events shown in pictures painted by spiritual perception otherwise than the physical perceptions would behold the same beings and events4 ,on the other hand1 it must be said that the manner in which spiritual events array themselves before the perception of the soul determines alike the tendency and construction of such pictures4 ,,the ,,soul',s ,,awakening ,,scene #a ,hilary's office4 ,fittings not very modern4 ,he is a manufacturer of sawn woodwork4 ,,secretary3 ,and e'en our good friends in ,st4 ,georgestown ,declare that they too are dissatisfied4 ,,manager3 ,what8 even they2 it is deplorable4 ,the self-same reasons too2 'tis plain to see ,with what regret and pain our friends announce ,that they can deal no more with ,hilary4 ,,secretary3 ,complaints of our unpunctuality ,and of the value of our goods compared ,with those produced by our competitors ,reach us by post2 and on my business trips ,our clients meet me with the same old tale4 ,the good name of this house is vanishing1 ,by ,hilary's forefathers handed down ,to us intact that we might heighten it4 ,and men begin to think that ,hilary ,is swayed by dreamers and strange fantasies1 ,and1 thus obsessed1 no longer can bestow ,the earnest care which he was wont to give ,to all the operations of the firm1 ,whose products were world-famous and unique4 ,so many as were our admirers then ,so great is now the tale of those who blame4 ,,manager3 ,it is notorious that ,hilary ,long since hath let himself be led astray ,by seekers after some strange spirit gifts4 ,to such pursuits he ever was inclined2 ,but formerly he kept them separate ,from business and its workaday routine4 7,enter ,hilary47 ,,manager 7to the ,secretary73 ,it seems advisable to me to speak ,alone with our employer for a while4 7,exit ,secretary47 ,,manager3 ,anxiety it is that bids me seek ,an interview and earnest speech with thee4 ,,hilary3 ,why then does my adviser feel concerned8 ,,manager3 ,things happen constantly which bring to light ,a serious diminution in demand ,for what we manufacture2 nor do we ,produce as large an output as we should4 ,there is besides an increase of complaints ,about the lower standard of our work1 ,and other houses step in front of us4 ,so too our well-known promptness hath declined ,as many clients truthfully attest4 ,ere long the best friends that remain to us ,no more will be content with ,hilary4 ,,hilary3 ,long have ,i been full well aware of this ,and yet indeed it leaves me unconcerned4 ,but none the less ,i feel an urgent need ,to talk things over with thee2 thou hast helped ,not only as the servant of my house1 ,but also as my dear and trusted friend4 ,and so ,i shall speak plainly to thee now ,of matters which ,i oft have hinted at4 ,whoever wills to bring the new things in ,must be content to let the old things die4 ,henceforth the business will be carried on ,in different ways from those it knew before4 ,production1 that but stays in straitest bounds ,and without care doth offer up its fruits ,upon the market of our earthly life ,regardless of the uses they may find1 ,doth seem so trivial and of little worth1 ,since ,i have come to know the noble form ,work can assume when shaped by spirit-men4 ,from this time forth ,thomasius shall be ,directing artist in the workshops here1 ,which ,i shall build for him close to our works4 ,so will the product made by our machines ,be moulded by his will in artist-forms ,and thus supply for daily human need ,the useful with the exquisite combined1 ,art and production shall become one whole ,and daily life by taste be beautified4 ,so will ,i add to these dead forms of sense1 ,for thus do ,i regard our output now1 ,a soul1 whereby they may be justified4 ,,manager 7after long reflection73 ,the plan to fabricate such wonder-wares ,suits not the spirit of our present age4 ,the aim of all production now must be ,complete perfection in some narrow groove4 ,the powers which work impersonally1 and pour ,the part into the whole in active streams1 ,confer unthinkingly upon each link ,a worth that is by wisdom not bestowed4 ,and were this obstacle not in thy path ,yet would thy purpose none the less be vain4 ,that thou shouldst find a man to realize ,the plan thou hast so charmingly conceived ,passeth belief1 at least it passeth mine4 ,,hilary3 ,thou knowest1 friend1 ,i do not dream vain dreams4 ,how should ,i aim at such a lofty goal ,had not kind fate already brought to me ,the man to realize what ,i propose8 ,i am amazed that thine eyes cannot see ,that ,strader is1 in fact1 this very man4 ,and one who1 knowing this man's inner self1 ,and his own duty to humanity1 ,conceives one of his duties to be this2 ,to find a field of work for such a man1 ,a dreamer is no proper name for him4 ,,manager 7after manifesting some surprise73 ,am ,i to look on ,strader as this man8 ,in his case hath it not been manifest ,how easily deluded mortals are ,who lack the power to know realities8 ,that his contrivance owes to spirit-light ,its origin doth not admit of doubt4 ,and if it can sometime be perfected ,those benefits will doubtless pour therefrom ,which ,strader thought he had already won4 ,but a mere model it will long remain ,seeing those forces are still undisclosed ,whose power alone will give reality4 ,i am distressed to find that thou dost hope ,good will result from giving up thy plant ,unto a man who came to grief himself ,with his own carefully contrived machine4 ',tis true it led his spirit up to heights ,which ever will entice the souls of men1 ,but which will only then be scaled by him ,when he hath made the rightful powers his own4 ,,hilary3 ,that thou must praise the spirit of this man ,and yet seek'st cause to overthrow his work ,doth prove most clearly that his worth is great4 ,the fault1 thou sayest1 did not lie in him1 ,that failure rather than success was his4 ,among us therefore he will surely find ,his proper place2 for here there will not be ,external hindrances to thwart his plans4 ,,manager3 ,and if1 despite what ,i have just now said1 ,i were to strive within myself and try ,to tune my reason to thy mode of thought1 ,still one more point compels me to object4 ,who will in future value this thy work8 ,or show such comprehension of thine aims ,as to make use of what thou mayst have made8 ,thy property will all be swallowed up ,before thy business hath been well begun1 ,and then it can no more be carried on4 ,,hilary3 ,i willingly admit my plans would show ,themselves imperfect1 if amongst mankind ,true comprehension were not first aroused ,for this new kind and style of handicraft4 ,what ,strader and ,thomasius create ,must be perfected in the ,sanctuary ,which ,i shall build for spirit knowledge here4 ,what ,benedictus1 what ,capesius ,and what ,maria yonder shall impart ,will show to man the path that he should tread ,and make him feel the need to penetrate ,his human senses with the spirit's light4 ,,manager3 ,and so thou wouldst endow a little clique ,to live self-centred1 from the world apart1 ,and shut thyself from all true human life4 ,thou fain wouldst banish selfishness on earth ,yet wilt thou cherish it in thy retreat4 ,,hilary3 ,a dreamer1 it would seem1 thou thinkest me1 ,who thoughtlessly denies experience ,that life hath brought him4 ,thus should ,i appear ,unto myself if1 for one moment's space1 ,i held this view thou hast about success4 ,the cause that ,i hold dear may fail indeed1 ,yet even if1 despised by all mankind ,it crumbles into dust and disappears1 ,yet was it once conceived by human souls ,and set up as a pattern on this earth4 ,in spirit it will work its way in life ,although it stay not in the world of sense4 ,it will contribute part of that great power ,which in the end will make it come to pass ,that earthly deeds are wed to spirit aims2 ,this in the spirit-wisdom is foretold4 ,,manager3 ,i am thy servant and have had my say ,as duty and conviction bade me speak2 ,yet now the attitude thou hast assumed ,gives me the right to speak as friend to friend4 ,in work together with thee ,i have felt ,myself impelled for many a year to seek ,a personal knowledge of the things to which ,thou giv'st thyself with such self-sacrifice2 ,my only guides have been the written words ,wherein the spirit-wisdom is revealed4-- ,and though the worlds are hidden from my gaze ,to which those writings had directed me1 ,yet in imagination ,i can feel ,the mental state of men whose simple trust ,leads them to seek such spirit-verities4 ,i have found confirmation in myself ,of what the experts in this love describe1 ,as being the possession of such souls ,as feel themselves at home in spirit realms4 ,the all-important thing1 it seems to me1 ,is that such souls1 despite their utmost care1 ,cannot divide illusions from the ,truth ,when they come down from out the spirit heights ,as come they must1 back into earthly life4 ,then from the spirit world1 so newly won1 ,visions descend upon them which prevent ,their seeing clearly in the world of sense1 ,and1 thus misled1 their judgment goes astray ,in things pertaining to this life on earth4 ,,hilary3 ,what thou wouldst raise as hindrance to my work ,doth but confirm my purpose2 thou hast proved ,that in thyself ,i now have one friend more ,to stand beside me in my search for truth4 ,how could ,i have conjectured up till now ,thy knowledge of the nature of those souls ,who fain would come and join me in my task8 ,thou know'st the perils ever threat'ning them4 ,so will their actions make it clear to thee ,that they know paths where they are kept from harm4 ,soon thou wilt doubtless know that this is so1 ,and ,i shall find henceforth as in the past ,in thee a counsellor1 who doth not fail4 ,,manager3 ,i cannot lend my strength to fashion deeds ,whose processes ,i do not understand4 ,those men in whom thou trusted seem to me ,misled by the illusion ,i have named3 ,and others too1 who listen to their words1 ,will victims to that same illusion fall ,which doth o'erpower all thought that knows its goal4 ,my help and counsel evermore shall be ,thine to command as long as thou dost need ,acts based upon experience on earth2 ,but this new work of thine is not for me4 ,,hilary3 ,by thy refusal thou dost jeopardize ,a work designed to further spirit-aims4 ,for ,i am hampered lacking thine advice4 ,consider how imperious is the call ,of duty when fate designs to make a sign1 ,and such a sign ,i cannot but behold ,in these men being here at our behest4 ,,manager3 ,the longer thou dost speak in such a strain ,more clearly dost thou prove thyself to me1 ,the unconscious victim of illusion's spell4 ,thy purpose is to serve humanity1 ,but in reality thou wilt but serve ,the group which1 backed by thee1 will have the means ,to carry on awhile its spirit-dream4 ,soon shall we here behold activities ,ordained no doubt by spirit for these souls1 ,but which will prove a mirage to ourselves ,and must destroy the harvest of our work4 ,,hilary3 ,if thou wilt not befriend me with thine aid ,drear doth the future stretch before my soul4 7,enter ,strader1 left47 ,,hilary3 ,dear ,strader1 ,i have long expected thee4 ,as things are now it seems advisable ,to spend the present time in serious talk ,and later on1 decide what we shall do4 ,my dear old friend hath just confessed to me ,that he can not approve what we have planned4 ,so let us now hear counsel from the man ,who promises his spirit to our work4 ,much now depends upon how at this time ,men recognize each other in their souls1 ,who each to each seem like a separate world ,and yet united could accomplish much4 ,,strader3 ,and so the loyal friend of ,hilary ,will not join with us in the hopeful work ,which our friend's wisdom hath made possible8 ,yet can our plan alone be carried out ,if his proved skill in life be wisely joined ,in compact with the aims of future days4 ,,manager3 ,not only will ,i hold aloof myself1 ,but ,i would also make clear to my friend1 ,that this design hath neither aim nor sense4 ,,strader3 ,i do not wonder thou should'st hold that view ,of any plan in which ,i am concerned4 ,i saw a great inception come to grief ,because today the forces still are hid ,which turn clear thought to sense reality4 ',tis known ,i drew from spirit-light the thought1 ,which1 though proved true1 yet had no life on earth4 ,this fact doth witness 'gainst my power to judge ,and also kills belief that spirit hides ,the source of true creation on the earth4 ,and 'twill be very difficult to prove ,that such experience hath giv'n me power ,not to fall victim for the second time4 ,for ,i must needs fall into error once ,that ,i may safely reach the land of truth4 ,yet 'tis but natural men should doubt my word4 ,thy spirit outlook most especially ,must find our wisdom promise little gain4 ,i hear thee praised for that keen sympathy ,which goes out from thee to all spirit-life1 ,and for the time and strength thou givest it4 ,but it is also said that thou wouldst keep ,thy work on earth severely separate ,from spirit-striving1 which with its own powers ,would work creatively in thy soul-life4 ,to this pursuit thou wouldst devote alone ,those hours which earthly labour doth not claim4 ,the aim1 however1 of the spirit-tide ,where ,i see clear life's evolution writ1 ,is to join spirit-work for spirit-ends ,to earthly labours in the world of sense4 ,,manager3 ,so long as spirit but to spirit gives ,all it can do in free creative might1 ,it raiseth souls in human dignity ,and gives them reason in their life on earth4 ,but when it seeks to live out its own self ,and over others' selves to domineer ,it straightway doth draw nigh the realm in which ,illusion often can endanger truth4 ,this knowledge unto which ,i have attained ,by personal effort in the spirit-world ,doth make me act as ,i do act today2 ,it is not personal preference1 as thou1 ,misled by what is said of me1 wouldst think4 ,,strader3 ,an error 'tis in spirit-knowledge then ,that makes thee hostile to the views ,i hold4 ,through this will difficulties multiply4 ,no doubt 'tis easy for the spirit-seer ,to work in partnership with other men ,who have already let themselves be taught ,by life and nature what existence means4 ,but when ideas which claim that they do spring ,from spirit sources join reluctantly ,with others flowing from the self-same source1 ,one can but seldom hope for harmony4 7,after a period of quiet meditation47 ,yet that which must will surely come to pass4 ,renewed examination of my plans 444 ,perhaps may make thee change the views1 to which ,on first consideration thou dost cling4 ,curtain whilst all three are sunk in reflection4 ,,scene #b ,mountainous country2 in the distance1 ,hilary's house1 which is in the vicinity of the workshops1 which are not seen4 ,hilary's house has no upper floor2 no corners or angles1 and is crescent shaped4 ,a waterfall on the left of the stage1 facing audience4 ,a rivulet runs from the waterfall between little rocks across the stage4 ,johannes is seen sitting on a rock to right4 ,capesius left4 ,,johannes3 ,the towering masses with their silent life ,brim up the air with riddles manifold2 ,yet ask no maddening questions such as slay ,a soul that asks not for experience ,but only for serenity in which ,it may behold life's revelation clear4 ,see how these colours play among these cliffs1 ,how calmly dumb the bare expanses lie1 ,how twilight clothes the woods in green and blue2 ,this is the world in which ,johannes' soul ,will rest and weave tomorrow's fantasies4 ,johannes' soul shall feel within itself ,the depths and distances of this its world2 ,and by creative powers this soul shall be ,delivered of its hidden energy ,and make known that the world's enchantment is ,only appearance glorified by art4 ,yet could ,johannes ne'er accomplish this ,did not ,maria through her love awake ,with gentle soul-warmth forces in his soul4 ,i must acknowledge fate's wise leadership ,in drawing me so closely unto her4 ,how short a time it is since ,i have known ,that she is by my side2 how closely knit ,hath been in these few weeks ,johannes' soul ,into a living unity with hers4 ,as spirit she lives in me though far off2 ,she thinks within my thought when ,i call up ,before my soul the objects of my will4 7,maria appears as a thought of ,johannes47 ,,johannes 7continuing73 ,maria here before me6 but how strange6 ,she must not thus reveal herself to me6 ,this stern cold spirit-face1 this dignity ,that chills my earthly feelings--'tis not thus ,johannes will or can ,maria see ,draw nigh to him4 ',tis not ,maria--this-- ,whom by kind fate's decree wise powers have sent4 7,maria disappears from ,johannes' vision47 ,where is ,maria whom ,johannes loved ,before she had transformed his soul in him ,and led it up to ice-cold spirit-heights8 ,and where ,johannes1 whom ,maria loved1 ,where is he now8--,he was at hand e'en now4 ,i see no more ,johannes1 who didst give ,me back unto myself with joy4 ,the past ,cannot and shall not rob me of him thus4 7,maria again appears before ,johannes' vision47 ,,maria3 ,maria as thou fain wouldst her behold ,lives not in worlds where shines the light of truth4 ,johannes' spirit treads illusion's realm ,by fantasy misled2 set thyself free ,from strong desire and its alluring power4 ,i feel in me the turmoil of thy soul2 ,it robs me of the calmness that ,i need4 ',tis not ,johannes who directs the storm ,into my soul2 it is some other man1 ,o'er whom he was victorious in the past4 ,now as a wraith it roams the spirit-plains2-- ,once known for such it straight will fade away4 ,,johannes3 ,that is ,maria as she really is1 ,who of ,johannes speaks as he appears ,to his own vision at the present time4 ,long since into another form he rose ,than that which errant fancy paints for me ,because ,i am content to let my soul ,amuse itself with dreams in slothful ease4 ,but not yet doth this being hold me fast4 ,escape from him ,i still can--and ,i will-- ,he often calls me to his side and strives ,to win me for myself by his own powers-- ,yet will ,i strive to free myself from him4 ,long years ago he flooded my soul's depths ,with spirit being2 none the less today ,no more do ,i desire to harbour him4 ,thou stranger being in ,johannes' soul ,forsake me--give me back my pristine self ,before thou didst commence thy work in me4 ,i would behold ,johannes free of thee4 7,benedictus appears at ,maria's side1 equally as a thought of ,johannes47 ,,benedictus3 ,johannes1 heed the warning of thy soul2 ,the man who1 flooding thee with spirit1 rose ,to be thy nature's primal energy1 ,must at thy side still hold his faithful sway ,and claim that thou transform his being's powers ,through thy will into human deeds4 ,he must1 ,himself concealed1 work out his task in thee2 ,that thou some day mayst reach what thou dost know ,to be thy being's distant future goal4 ,thy personal sorrow thou must bear through life ,fast locked within the chamber of thy soul4 ,so only shalt thou win thyself1 if thou ,dost bravely let him own thee more and more4 ,,maria 7seen as a thought of ,johannes73 ,my holy earnest vow doth beam forth power ,which shall preserve for thee what thou hast won4 ,me shalt thou find in those cold fields of ice1 ,where spirits must create light for themselves4 ,when darkness wounds and maims the powers of life ,seek me within those cosmic depths where souls ,wrestle to win ,god-knowledge for themselves4 ,by conquest that wins being from the void2 ,but never seek me in the realm of shades1 ,where outlived soul-experience wins by guile ,a transient life from out illusion's web1 ,and dream's frail phantoms can the spirit cheat2 ,so that in pleasure it forgets itself ,and looks on serious effort with distaste4 7,benedictus and ,maria disappear47 ,,johannes3 ,she saith illusion 444 444 yet 'tis passing fair4 ,it lives2 ,johannes feels it in himself1 ,he feels ,maria's nearness in him too4 ,johannes will not know how spirit works ,to solve the riddles of the soul's dark depths4 ,he will create and will as artists work4 ,so may that part of him still lie concealed1 ,which consciously would gaze on cosmic heights4 7,he sinks into further meditation47 7,capesius rises from his seat2 as it were arousing himself out of deep thought47 ,,capesius3 ,did ,i not clearly feel within my soul ,that which ,johannes1 dreaming over there1 ,wrought as the pictures of his longing heart8 ,within me glowed to life thoughts not mine own-- ,such as he only could originate4 ,the being of his soul lived in mine own1 ,i saw him younger grown1 as he beheld ,himself through vain illusion1 and did mock ,the ripe fruits that his spirit had achieved4 ,but hold6 ,why do ,i now experience this8 ,for seldom may the spirit-searcher see ,the being in himself of other souls4 ,i mind1 that ,benedictus often said ,that only he--and only for a while-- ,can do this1 whose good destiny ordains ,that he shall be upraised one further step ,upon the spirit path4 ,may ,i thus read ,the meaning of what happened even now8 ,seldom indeed could this thing be allowed2 ,for 'twould be terrible if aye the seer ,could see the inner being of men's souls4 ,did ,i see truly8--or could it have been ,illusion let me dream another's soul8 ,i must enquire from ,johannes himself4 7,capesius approaches ,johannes1 who now notices him for the first time47 ,,johannes3 ,capesius--,i thought thee far from here4 ,,capesius3 ,yet my soul felt itself quite near to thine4 ,,johannes3 ,near mine--at such a time--it cannot be6 ,,capesius3 ,why dost thou shudder at these words of mine8 ,,johannes3 ,i do not shudder 444 7,at this moment ,maria joins them2 this enables both ,johannes and ,capesius to speak their next words to themselves47 7,to himself73 444 how his steady glance ,doth pierce me to mine inmost depths of soul4 ,,capesius 7to himself73 ,his shudder shows me that ,i saw aright4 7,capesius turns to ,maria47 ,maria1 thou dost come in fitting time4 ,perhaps thy tongue may speak some word of cheer4 ,to solve the problem which oppresseth me4 ,,maria3 ,i thought to find ,johannes here1 not thee4 ,foreboding bade me seek the problem's weight ,in him--but thou1 ,i fancied1 wast content1 ,devoted to that glorious enterprise ,which we are offered here by ,hilary4 ,,capesius3 ,what care ,i for it8 ,it disturbs me now-- ,,maria3 ,disturbs thee8 ,didst thou not express delight ,to think thy projects might be realized8 ,,capesius3 ,what ,i have lived through in this fateful hour ,hath changed the former purpose of my soul1 ,since all activity in work on earth ,must rob me of my new clairvoyant powers4 ,,maria3 ,whoe'er is suffered to tread spirit-ways ,finds many a hint to shape his destiny4 ,on soul paths he will try to follow them1 ,yet they have not been rightly understood ,if they disturb his duties on the earth4 7,capesius sits1 and is plunged in thought while the vision of ,lucifer appears to ,maria47 ,,lucifer3 ,thine effort will not bring thee much reward4 ,new force begins to stir within his heart ,that opes the portal of his soul to me4 ,maria1 gaze with thy clairvoyant sight ,upon his inmost soul2 and there behold ,how he doth free himself on spirit-wings ,from thy warm loving bonds of work on earth4 7,lucifer remains on the scene47 7,maria turns towards ,capesius to rouse him from his meditation1 but at the same moment he seems to rouse himself of his own accord47 ,,maria3 ,if on the spirit-path ,johannes felt ,the nature of his duties hinder him1 ',twould not be right1 though so it might appear4 ,he needs must work upon the outer plane4 ,thy task is to expound the spirit-lore ,to other men and such a task as this ,cannot impede the progress of thy soul4 ,,capesius3 ,far more than when they work on outer things ,do spirit forces lose themselves in words4 ,words make one reason o'er what one has seen1 ,and reason is a foe to seership's power4 ,i had a spirit-vision even now ,which only could disclose itself to me ,because the soul which was revealed to me1 ,although our earthly bodies are close friends1 ,had never been by me quite understood ,if ,i saw truly1 ,i am no more bound ,by any ties unto this work of earth4 ,for ,i must feel persuaded that high ,powers ,now set another goal before my soul ,than that prescribed for it by ,hilary4 7,he places himself in front of ,johannes47 ,,capesius3 ,johannes1 tell me truly1 didst thou not ,a while ago feel old1 outlived desires ,that lived within thee like thy present self1 ,while thou wast lost in meditation deep8 ,,johannes3 ,can then my spirit's struggle work to form ,experience within another's soul8 ,and can such vision make mine error strong ,to find its way to life in cosmic space8 7,johannes again falls into meditation47 7,maria turns her face towards ,lucifer and hears him say37 ,,lucifer3 ,here too ,i find the soul's gate open wide4 ,i'll not delay but use this chance at once4 ,if also in this soul a spirit-wish ,is born1 that work of love must come to naught ,which doth bode ill to me through ,hilary4 ,i can destroy ,maria's might in him3 ,and thus can add her power unto mine own4 7,capesius at this moment straightens up self-consciously1 and1 during the following speech1 shows an increasingly definite conviction47 ,,capesius3 ,my doubts dissolve--that which ,i saw was true2 ,i was allowed to see ,johannes' life4 ,so is it also clear that his world could ,only unfold itself because mine own ,would never draw near his and comprehend ,the spirit-path doth ask for solitude4 ,co-operation is but meant for those ,who comprehend each others' hopes and aims4 ,a soul which sets humanity aside ,attains the wide bounds of the worlds of light4 ,a pattern in old ,felix can ,i find1 ,he seeks on paths that none but he may know ,in proud seclusion for the spirit-light4 ,he sought and found because he kept himself ,from ever grasping things by reason's strength4 ,in his track will ,i follow1 and thy work1 ,which hampers seership's power with earthly things1 ,shall no more lead ,capesius astray4 7,exit47 ,,maria3 ,so 'tis with man1 what time his better self ,sinks into spirit-sleep and strong desire ,is all his being's food2 until again ,true spirit-nature wakes in glowing light4 ,such is the sleep all human beings sleep ,before clairvoyant powers have wakened them4 ,they know not they are sleeping1 though awake2 ,they seem awake1 because they ever sleep4 ,the seer doth sleep1 when to this waking state ,he struggles forth from out his real self4 ,capesius will now withdraw from us4 ,it is no transient whim2 his mental life ,draws him away from us and from our plans4 ,it is not he that turns himself from us4 ,the dread decree of fate is plainly seen4 ,and so we who are left must consecrate ,our powers with more devotion to our work4 ,,johannes3 ,maria1 do not of ,johannes ask ,that for new aims at such a time as this ,he should gird up his soul1 which like all souls ,needs spirit-sleep in which it may mature ,the forces which are germinating there4 ,i know that ,i in time to come shall dare ,to work for spirit-worlds--but do not now ,appeal to me for services--not now4 ,think how ,i drove away ,capesius 444 ,were ,i ripe for this work--he would be1 too4 ,,maria3 ,capesius away8 ,dost thou not--dream8 ,,johannes3 ,i dreamed while conscious 444 yea1 ,i woke in dreams4 ,what would seem fantasy to cosmic powers ,to me proved symbol that ,i was mature4 ,right well ,i know my wish was my true self2 ,my thinking only was another self4 ,and so ,johannes stood before my soul ,as once he was1 ere spirit seized on him ,and filled his being with a second self4 ,johannes is not dead2444 a living wish ,createth him companion of my soul4 ,i may have stunned him1 but not overthrown4 ,a living man1 he claims his natural rights ,whene'er that other self must sink to sleep4 ,and to wake--always that--exceeds its powers4 ,asleep it was throughout that time in which ,capesius could live within himself4 ,how my first nature tore me from myself4 ,my dreams did seem to him the sign of fate2 ,and so in me and not in him doth work ,the power which drove him forth1 and which forbids ,our spirit to be turned to work on earth4 ,,maria3 ,the spirit-powers are coming--call on them4 ,to cosmic spirit-sources turn thy gaze ,and wait until the powers within those depths ,discover that within thine own true self ,which stirs with conscious life akin to theirs4 ,their magic words will show thine inward sight ,that which makes them and thee a unity4 ,cast out thine own brain's interfering speech1 ,that spirit may speak in thee as it wills2 ,and to this spirit-speech give thou due heed4 ',twill carry thee beyond the spheres of light ,and link thee to true spirit-essence there4 ,thy misty visions sprung from times long past ,will then grow sharp and clear in cosmic light1 ,but will not bind thee since thou hast control4 ,compare them with these elemental forms1 ,with shadows and with phantoms of all kinds1 ,and place them near to demons manifold ,and so discover what they really are4 ,but in the realm of spirits root thyself ,who primal source to primal source do bind1 ,who dwell close linked with dormant cosmic powers ,and order the processions of the spheres4 ,this view of cosmic things will give thee strength1 ,amid the surging sea of spirit-life1 ,to blend thyself and inmost soul in one4 ,the spirit bids me tell thee this myself2 ,but now give ear to what thou knowest well ,though 'tis not wedded yet to thy soul-depths4 ,,johannes 7still sitting on a rock to right of stage4 ,he collects himself for a determined effort73 ,i will give ear--,i will defy myself4 7,from both sides advance elemental spirits4 ,from the right of stage creatures like gnomes4 ,they have steel-blue-grey bodies1 small as compared with men2 they are nearly all head1 but it is bent forward and downward1 and is lilac and purple in color1 with tendrils and gills of various shades of the same hue4 ,their limbs are long and mobile1 suitable for gesticulation1 but ill-adapted for walking4 ,from the left of stage come sylph-like figures1 slender and almost headless2 their feet and hands are partly fins and partly wings4 ,some of them are bluish-green1 others yellowish-red4 ,the yellowish-red ones are distinguished by sharper outlines than the bluish green ones4 ,the words spoken by these figures are accompanied by expressive gestures developing into a dance47 ,,chorus ,,of ,,the ,,gnomes 7dancing1 hopping1 and gesticulating in rhythm73 ,we harden1 we strengthen 7said sharply and quickly7 ,the nebulous earth-dust2 ,we loosen1 we powder ,hard-crusted1 earth-boulders2 ,swift shatter we the hard1 ,slow harden we the loose4 ,such is our spirit-kind4 ,of mental matter formed ,full-skilled were we before ,when human souls still slept 7said slowly and dreamily7 ,and dreamed when earth began4 ,,chorus ,,of ,,the ,,sylphs 7a swaying motion in rhythm73 ,we weave and we unweave ,the web of watery air2 ,we scatter and divide ,seed forces from the sun2 ,light-force condense with care2 ,fruit-powers destroy with skill2 ,for such is our soul-kind ,from rays of feeling poured1 ,which ever-living glows ,that mankind may enjoy ,earth-evolution's sense4 ,,chorus ,,of ,,the ,,gnomes 7dancing1 hopping1 and gesticulating in rhythm73 ,we titter and we laugh 7said sharply and quickly7 ,we banter and grimace1 ,when stumbling human sense ,and fumbling human mind ,beholds what we have made2 ,they think they understand ,when spirits from our age ,weave charms for their dull eyes 7said slowly and emphatically74 ,,chorus ,,of ,,the ,,sylphs 7a swaying motion in rhythm73 ,we take care1 and we tend1 ,bear fruit and in spirit1 ,when young mankind's dawn-life ,and old mankind's errors ,consume what we have made ,and childlike or greyhaired ,find in time's stream dull joy ,from our eternal plans4 7,these spirit-beings collect in two irregular groups in the background1 and remain there visible4 ,from the right appear the three soul-forces3 ,philia1 ,astrid1 and ,luna with 'the other ,philia4'7 ,,philia3 ,they ray out the light ,as loving light-forms ,to ripeness so blest1 ,so gently they warm ,and mightily heat ,where embryo growth ,would reach actual life2 ,that this actual life1 ,may make souls rejoice ,who lovingly yield ,to radiant light4 ,,astrid3 ',tis life that they weave1 ,and help create1 ,in up-springing men1 ,they shatter the earth ,and densify air2 ,that change may appear ,in strenuous growth4 ,such strenuous growth ,fills spirits with joy ,who feel that they weave ,a life which creates4 ,,luna3 ,they thoughtfully mould1 ,alert to create ,in flexible stuff2 ,they sharpen the edge ,and flatten the face1 ,and cunningly build ,the clearly-cut forms2 ,that clearly-cut forms ,the will may inspire ,with cunning to build1 ,alert to create4 ,,the ,,other ,,philia3 ,they gather the blooms ,and use without care ,the magical works2 ,they dream of the true ,and guard 'gainst the false2 ,that germs which lie hid ,may wake into life4 ,and clairvoyant dreams ,make clear unto souls ,the magical web ,that forms their own life4 7,these four soul-forces disappear towards the left2 ,johannes1 who during the preceding events was deep in meditation1 rouses himself47 ,,johannes3 ',and clairvoyant dreams ,make clear unto souls ,the magical web ,that forms their own life4' ,these are the words that still distinctly ring ,within my soul2 that which ,i saw before ,passed in confusion out of my soul's ken4 ,yet what a power stirs in me1 when ,i think2 ',the magical web ,that forms their own life4' 7,he relapses once more into meditation2 there appears to him as a thought-form of his own a group composed of3 ,the ,spirit of ,johannes' ,youth1 with ,lucifer on its right and ,theodora's soul on its left47 ,,the ,,spirit ,,of ,,johannes' ,,youth3 ,the life within thy wishes feeds my life1 ,my breath drinks thirstily thy youthful dreams2 ,i am alive when thou dost not desire ,to force thy way to worlds ,i cannot find4 ,if in thyself thou losest me1 ,i must ,do grievous painful service to grim shades3-- ,o guardian of my life 444 forsake me not4 ,,lucifer3 ,he never will forsake thee1--,i behold ,deep in his nature longings after light ,which cannot follow in ,maria's steps4 ,and when the radiance which is born of them ,doth fully light ,johannes' artist-soul ,it must bear fruit2 nor will he be content ,to cast this fruit away in yonder realm ,where love divorced from beauty reigns alone4 ,his self will no more seem of worth to him ,which fain would cast his best gifts to the shades ,because it sets by knowledge too much store4 ,when wisdom shall throw light on his desires ,their glorious worth will be revealed to him2 ,he only can think them of little worth ,so long as they hide darkly in the soul4 ,until they can attain to wisdom's light ,i will be thy protector--through the light ,i find deep-seated in the human soul4 ,he has as yet no pity for thy woes1 ,and ever lets thee sink among the shades ,when he is striving up the heights of light4 ,for then he can forget that thou1 his child1 ,must lead a miserable phantom life4 ,but henceforth1 thou wilt find me at thy side ,when as a shade thou freezest through his fault4 ,i will exert my rights as ,lucifer 7,at the word ',lucifer' the spirit of ,johannes' youth starts47 ,reserved to me by ancient cosmic law1 ,and occupy those depths within his soul ,he leaves unguarded in his spirit-flight4 ,i'll bring thee treasure that will light for thee ,the dark seclusion of the shadow-realms4 ,but thou wilt not be fully freed till he ,can once again unite himself with thee4 ,this act he can delay 444 but not prevent4 ,for ,lucifer will well protect his rights4 ,,theodora3 ,thou spirit-child1 thou liv'st ,johannes' youth ,in gloomy shadow-realms4 ,to thee in love ,bends down the soul which o'er ,johannes broods ,from realms ablaze with light1 aglow with love4 ,she will from thine enchantment set thee free ,if thou wilt take so much of what she feels ,as shall procure thee life in blessedness4 ,i will ally thee with the elements ,which labour unaware in cosmic space ,withdrawing ever far from waking souls4 ,with those earth-spirits thou canst fashion forms1 ,and with the fire-souls thou canst ray out power1 ,if thou wilt sacrifice thy conscious life ,unto the will that works with light and power ,but without human wisdom4 ,so shalt thou ,preserve thy knowledge1 only half thine own1 ,from ,lucifer1 and to ,johannes give ,the services which are of worth to him4 ,from his soul's being ,i will bring to thee ,what causeth him to crave thy being's aid1 ,and find refreshment in the spirit-sleep4 ,,lucifer3 ,but beauty she can ne'er bestow on thee ,since ,i myself dare take it far from her4 ,,theodora3 ,from noble feeling ,i will find the germ ,of beauty which grows ripe through sacrifice4 ,,lucifer3 ,from free-will she will tear thee and instead ,give thee to spirits who dwell in the dark4 ,,theodora3 ,i shall awaken sight by spirit filled ,that e'en from ,lucifer knows itself free4 7,lucifer1 ,theodora1 and the ,spirit of ,johannes' youth disappear4 ,johannes1 awaking from his meditation1 sees 'the other ,philia' approaching him47 ,,the ,,other ,,philia3 ,and clairvoyant dreams ,make clear unto souls ,the magical web ,that forms their own life4 ,,johannes3 ,thou riddle-speaking spirit--at thy words ,this world ,i entered6 ,of its mysteries ,one only--is important for my soul3 ,whether1 as living in the spirit worlds1 ,the shadow dwells who sought with ,lucifer ,and ,theodora to be shown to me4 ,,the ,,other ,,philia3 ,he lives--and by thyself was waked to life4 ,e'en as a glass in pictures doth reflect ,all things by light upon its surface thrown ,so must whate'er in spirit-realms thou see'st-- ,ere full maturity gives thee the right ,to such clairvoyance--mirrored be in life ,within the realm of half-waked spirit-shades4 ,,johannes3 ',tis but a picture1 mirrored thus by me8 ,,the ,,other ,,philia3 ,yet one that lives and keeps its hold on life ,so long as thou dost keep within thyself ,an outlived self which thou indeed canst stun ,but which as yet thou canst not overthrow4 ,johannes1 thine awakening is but false ,until thou shalt thyself set free the shade ,whom thine offence doth lend a magic life4 ,,johannes3 ,what thanks ,i owe this spirit1 who brings truth ,into my soul--,i needs must follow it4 ,curtain falls slowly1 while 'the other ,philia' and ,johannes remain quietly standing4 ,,scene #c ,the ,same4 7,enter left1 ,magnus ,bellicosus1 ,romanus1 ,torquatus1 and ,hilary1 in deep conversation1 and pausing in their walk47 ,,bellicosus3 ,and if his headstrong mood will not be changed1 ,how can prosperity attend the work ,which ,hilary is fain to dedicate ,in loving service to his fellowmen8 ,,romanus3 ,what our friend's true companion in his work ,did give as reason why he did object1 ,hath weight not only amongst men who form ,opinions based on outer facts of life4 ,are not these arguments advanced by him ,also in harmony with mystic views8 ,,bellicosus3 ,yet it lies not within the spirit group ,which holds our projects in its firm embrace4 ,those who succeeded to our mystic task ,were ,benedictus' pupils2--'tis for them ,that ,hilary would make a field of work ,in which their spirit-fruitage can mature4 ,the wise powers ruling over destiny ,have1 in the temple1 joined them to ourselves2 ,our friend1 however1 represents alone ,the wisdom which to us within the shrine ,as spirit-law and duty was revealed4 ,,romanus3 ,but art thou sure that thou dost understand ,this spirit-law8 ,more simply it might mean ,that ,benedictus and his pupils too1 ,whom in his way he to the spirit led1 ,should still remain within the temple's shrine ,and not at this time tread the hard rough road ,to which friend ,hilary would lead them on4 ,for but too easily can spirit-sight ,be turned1 upon that road1 to soul's dream-sleep4 ,,bellicosus3 ,i did not hope to hear such words from thee ,to ,hilary's companion in his work4 ,we must indeed allow that knowledge gained ,from books alone is but of little worth4 ,but thou art bound to recognize the signs ,which are begotten on the mystic way4 ,how ,benedictus' pupils were impelled ,to come to us1 speaks clearly to our souls4 ,they are joined with us that we may obey ,what their clairvoyance doth to them reveal4 ,,torquatus3 ,another sign doth still make manifest ,that full rich blessing from the spirit-powers ,upon that project hath not been outpoured ,which in the temple showed itself to us4 ,capesius hath now withdrawn himself ,from ,benedictus and his pupils' group4 ,that he should not yet in its fullness feel ,the wakefulness of soul which now in him ,doth ,benedictus seek1 doth cast sad doubt ,e'en on our teacher's personal competence4 ,,bellicosus3 ,the gift of seership lies still far from me3 ,yet intuition often doth reveal ,within my soul the meaning of events4 ,when for the first time in our sacred fane ,i saw ,capesius within our group ,the thought oppressed me1 that fate set him there ,to be both near to us and yet far off4 ,,romanus3 ,thine intuition ,i can fully grasp4 ,but at that very moment none amongst ,our new-found mystic friends so closely knit ,by fate to us as ,strader1 could ,i find4 ,such intuition is to me a sign ,to show my soul the road1 where ,i may then ,with reason search2 and when ,i come to act ,i must destroy that intuition first ,which gave strength and direction to my thought4 ,thus mysticism's strict decrees ordain4 ,in spirit-realms ,i find myself in truth ,with ,benedictus' pupils close allied2 ,yet1 if ,i leave my inner mystic group ,and find my way back into life on earth1 ,by ,strader's side alone dare ,i do this4 ,,torquatus3 ,but ,hilary's companion in his work ,finds not in ,strader's soul true spirit-strength ,such as can prove of use in outer life4 ,and if myself ,i heed my inner voice ,it is revealed that he entirely lacks ,the rightful mood to tread the mystic path4 ,what outward signs can show him of these things ,and what his reason grasps of spirit-life1 ,arouse the explorer's zeal in him2 ,from inward spirit-life he stands far off4 ,what can the spirit products of this man ,be but obscurely woven mystic dreams8 ,,romanus3 ,upon the spirit path his friends have trod2 ,he hath not made sufficient progress yet ,to join himself to foes of his own soul1 ,who bring to many mystics danger great ,when they pursue him into life on earth4 ,,bellicosus3 ,if thou dost think him safe from such attacks ,nought hinders thee from working for him there ,so that this great scheme may be brought to pass ,which ,hilary would carry out through him4 ,for when our friend's companion comes to know ,how highly thou dost rate the man whom he ,dares think of little worth1 he will in truth ,misdoubt his own opinion4 ,thou alone ,canst win him over to the cause we serve4 ,for well he knows that in thine outer life ,thou hast invariably achieved success ,in all thou hast essayed with forethought wise4 ,,romanus3 ,if thou wilt ,strader take1 dear ,hilary1 ,as thy companion1 and1 from this thy work ,keep ,benedictus' other followers ,on spirit paths from all illusion free1 ,thou shalt not stand alone2--,i offer thee ,not only what now ,bellicosus asks ,as my assistance2 but will also help ,with all the worldly goods at my command ,in making ,strader's plan a real success4 ,,hilary3 ,how canst thou think that ,strader at this time ,from ,benedictus' pupils would depart8 ,to follow his own spirit-aims alone8 ,the others are as near him as himself4 ,,romanus3 ,in human life they well may stand so close4 ,but only that part of his soul can hold ,that they in spirit too are one with him1 ,which still is deeply sunk in spirit-sleep ,but soon1 methinks1 it will be evident ,how that part can grow ripe to waking life4 7,exeunt right47 7,enter left--,capesius1 ,strader1 ,felix ,balde1 and ,dame ,balde2 as if coming to a standstill during their talk because of the importance to them of the following dialogue47 ,,capesius3 ,to seek the spirit in mine inmost soul ,is all that ,i can do at such a time4 ,were ,i to load myself with outward work1 ,that spirit might be brought to realms of sense1 ,with rashness should ,i strive to grasp the cause ,of being in those worlds whose essence true ,i have not fully grasped within myself4 ,of cosmic being ,i can see no more ,than hath already shaped itself in me4 ,how shall my work do good to other men ,if in creating ,i but please myself8 ,,strader3 ,thy meaning is1 ,i take it1 that thy work ,will only carry thine own being's stamp2 ,and in that work1 thou dost but manifest ,to outward cosmic life thy personal self8 ,,capesius3 ,till ,i encounter with mine inner world ,a being strange to me1 'tis even so4 ,how far ,i now can pierce another's soul ,i realized with pain1 when for a while ,i was awake and could with clearness judge4 ,,felix ,,balde3 ,thou speak'st as ,i have never heard thee speak-- ,but ne'er could ,i so understand thy mind ,as ,i do now1 when naught speaks but thyself4 ,in all thy words there rings the mystic mood ,which ,i have sought unwearied many years2 ,and which alone can recognise the light ,in which the human spirit feels itself ,a part of cosmic spirit through clear sight4 ,,capesius3 ,because ,i felt how near ,i'd drawn to thee ,i sought thee1 fleeing from the kind of life ,that was about to slay mine inner world4 ,,strader3 ,i often understood thy present speech2-- ,and then ,i thought it wisdom2--but no word ,in all thy speech can ,i now understand4 ,capesius and father ,felix both ,conceal dark meanings in transparent words4444 ,do ,i not feel these words of thine are but ,the cloak of forces3 forces of the soul ,that exile me from thee unto those words ,which lie remote from all thy spirit-paths8 ,worlds ,i have no desire for1--since ,i must ,deep in my soul adore that world of thine4 ,the opposition ,i can lightly bear ,which from without now menaceth my work2 ,yea1 e'en if all my plans were broken up ,upon this opposition2--,i could bear4 ,but ,i cannot forego these worlds of thine4 ,,felix ,,balde3 ,a man cannot attain the spirit-world ,by seeking to unlock the gates himself4 ,once didst thou give me pleasure1 when of old ,of thine invention thou wast wont to speak-- ,then1 when enlightenment was granted thee ,by what thou didst not strive to understand4 ,thou wast far nearer to the mystic mood4 ,to strive for nought1--but just to live in peace1 ,expectancy the soul's whole inner life3-- ,that is the mystic mood4 ,when waked in man ,it leads his inmost soul to realms of light4 ,our outward tasks do not endure such mood4 ,if them thou wouldst through mysticism seek1 ,mystic illusion will destroy thy life4 ,,strader3 ,i need thee sorely2--yet ,i find thee not-- ,the being that unites us thou dost scorn4 ,yet how can men be found to undertake ,true cosmic work if mystics all decline ,to leave their individuality8 ,,felix ,,balde3 ,into thy world of active daily life ,the tender being of clairvoyant sight ,cannot be introduced1 for it will fade ,e'en as its welcome border line appears4 ,in faith devout1 revering spirit-sway ,with spirit-sight reposing in the heart3-- ,thus mystics should draw nigh the world of deeds4 ,,capesius3 ,and if they strive to tread it otherwise ,the work of error they will then behold2 ,but wisdom's radiance they will never see4 ,i once saw clearly through another's soul4 ,i knew that ,i saw truly what ,i saw4 ,yet only that soul's error could ,i see4 ,this was my fate for spoiling spirit-sight ,by my desire for outer deeds on earth4 ,,strader3 ,thus speaks ,capesius who hath advanced ,beyond me far upon the path of souls4 ,and yet my spirit-vision only wakes ,when thoughts of action wholly fill my soul2 ,and it is flooded with a living hope ,that for the spirit it may build a shrine ,and kindle there on earth the light that shines ,so warmly through the spirit-worlds on high ,and seeks1 through human sense-activities1 ,a new home in the daily life of earth4 ,am ,i a son of error8--not thy son1 ,ye wide-flung spirit-realms where wisdom dwells8 7,strader turns away1 for a moment1 from the companions with whom he has been conversing2 and now he has the following spirit-vision--,benedictus1 ,maria1 ,ahriman appear--in the guise of his thought-forms but nevertheless in real spirit-intercourse2 first ,benedictus and ,ahriman1 then ,maria47 ,,benedictus3 ,in wide-flung spirit-realms where wisdom dwells ,thou seekest aid to still thy questioning doubt1 ,which makes the secret of thine inner life ,lie like a burden on thine earthly thought4 ,and thou shalt have an answer1 such an one ,as spirit-spaces out of their soul-depths ,are willing to reveal through this my voice4 ,but learn to understand what thou hast guessed ,and what thou often hast made bold to say1 ,but in thine inner being only dreamst4 ,give to thy dreams the life1 which ,i am bound ,to offer thee from out the spirit-world2 ,but turn to dreams whatever thou canst draw ,by thought from all thy sense-experience4 ,capesius and ,felix cast thee forth ,from out the spirit-light which they behold2 ,thy place th' abyss betwixt themselves and thee-- ,do not complain that they have done this thing1 ,but gaze in thine abyss4 ,,ahriman3 ,aye1 gaze therein6 ,thou shalt behold there what to thee seems meet ,for human spirits on their cosmic path4 ',twere well for thee1 if other spirit-powers ,did tell thee when thy soul is sunk in sleep2 ,but ,benedictus tells thee when awake1 ,so dost thou slay1 beholding1 thy response4 ,aye1 gaze therein4 ,,strader3 ,i will4 ,what do ,i see8 ,two forms confused8 ,they change1 yea1 and they tear1 ,one at the other tears--a battle now-- ,the phantoms fight each other furiously1-- ,destruction reigns1 and from it gloom is born2-- ,from out the gloom now issue other shades ,with ether's light around them1--flick'ring red2 ,one of the forms quite clearly leaves the rest2 ,and comes to me2--sent from the dark abyss4 7,maria steps forth from the abyss47 ,,maria3 ,thou seest demons2--summon up thy strength1 ,they are not thus1--before thee they appear ,what they are not4 ,if thou canst hold them fast ,until their phantom nature shall become ,illumined to the being of thy soul ,thou wilt behold what value they possess ,in evolution of the cosmic scheme4 ,thy power of sight doth fade ere they unfold ,the forces which will make them luminous4 ,illuminate them with thine own self's light4 ,where is thy light8 ,thou rayest darkness out-- ,perceive thy darkness all around thyself-- ',midst light thou dost create the baffling gloom2 ,and feelst it when created by thyself4 ,yet then thou ne'er canst feel thyself create4 ,thou wouldst forget thy longing to create1 ,which reigns unconsciously within thy soul4 ,because thou art afraid to ray out light4 ,thou wouldst enjoy this light that is thine own4 ,thou wouldst enjoy therein thyself alone4 ,thou seekst thyself1 and seekest to forget4 ,thou let'st thyself sink dreaming in thyself4 ,,ahriman3 ,aye1 list to her2 thy riddles she can solve ,but her solution solves them not for thee4 ,she gives thee wisdom--so that with its aid ,thou canst direct thy steps to foolishness4 ,wisdom were good for thee--at other times1 ,when on thee spirit-day doth brightly shine4 ,but when ,maria speaks thus in thy dreams ,she slays thy riddle's answer by her words4 ,aye1 list to her4 ,,strader3 ,what mean such words as these8 ,maria1 are they born from out the light8 ,from out my light8 ,or is my darkness that ,from which they sound8 ,o ,benedictus1 speak2 ,who brought me counsel from the dark abyss8 ,,benedictus3 ,at thine abyss's edge she sought thee out4 ,thus spirits seek out men to shelter them1 ,from those who fashion phantoms for men's souls ,and so conceal the cosmic-spirit's sway ,with mazy darkness1 that they only know ,themselves in truth in their own being's net4 ,look further yet within thy dark abyss4 ,,strader3 ,what now lives in the depths of mine abyss8 ,,benedictus3 ,gaze on these shades2 upon the right1 blue-red ,enticing ,felix--and the others see-- ,there on the left--where red with yellow blends2 ,who are intent to reach ,capesius4 ,they both do feel the might of these same shades2-- ,and each in loneliness creates the light ,which foils the shades who would deceive men's souls4 ,,ahriman3 ,he would do better did he show to thee ,thy shades--yet this thing could he scarcely do2-- ,he hath the best intentions certainly4 ,he only sees not where to seek those shades4 ,they stand behind thee1 critically near1-- ,yet thou thyself dost hide them now from him4 ,,strader3 ,so now ,i hear in mine abyss these words ,which once ,i thought the prating of a fool1 ,when ,hilary's adviser uttered them4444 ,,maria3 ,sire ,felix tempers for himself the blade ,that rids him of his danger2 one who treads ,the path thy soul takes needs another kind4 ,the sword ,capesius doth fashion here1 ,and bravely wields in battle with his foes1 ,would be for ,strader but a shadow sword ,should he commence therewith the spirit-fight ,which powers of destiny ordain for souls ,who must change spirit-being1 ripe for deeds ,with mighty power1 to earth activity4 ,thou canst not use their weapons in thy fight2 ,yet thou must know them1 so that thou mayst forge ,thine own from out soul-substance thoughtfully4 7,the figures of ,benedictus1 ,ahriman1 and ,maria disappear2 i4e41 from outward sight2 ,strader wakes up from his spirit-vision2 he looks round for ,capesius1 ,felix ,balde1 and ,dame ,balde1 who again approach him2 he has seated himself upon a rock47 ,,felix ,,balde3 ,dear ,strader1 even now the spirit drove ,thee far from us--thus it appeared to me4 7,he pauses a while in the expectation that ,strader will say something1 but since the latter remains silent ,felix continues47 ,i would not seem to cast thee coldly forth ,from out our group to other paths of life4 ,i only wish to check thy further steps ,in that illusion which confuseth thee4 ,what spirit sees in spirit must by souls ,in spirit also be received and lived4 ,how foolish were it if ,felicia ,should take the fairies living in her soul1 ,who also fain would only live in souls1 ,and make them dance upon a puppet's stage4 ,their magic charm would be completely lost4 ,,dame ,,balde3 ,i surely have been silent long enough4 ,but speak ,i will1 if thou art going to cast ,thy mystic mood upon my fairy sprites4 ,they would indeed enjoy to have their power ,drawn out of them1 that they might be brought up ,and suckled fresh with mysticism's milk4 ,i honour mysticism2 but ,i fain ,would keep it distant from my fairy realms4 ,,capesius3 ,felicia1 was it not thy fairy-tales ,that set my feet first on the spirit-path8 ,those stories of the air and water-sprites1 ,called up so oft before my thirsting soul1 ,were messengers to me from yonder world ,whereto ,i now the mystic entrance seek4 ,,dame ,,balde3 ,but since thou cam'st with this new mystic art ,into our house thou hast but seldom asked ,what my fair magic beings are about4 ,more often thou hast only thought of worth ,what wears a solemn air of dignity2 ,while those who caper out of sheer delight ,are uncongenial to thy mystic ways4 ,,capesius3 ,i do not doubt1 ,felicia1 that ,i ,shall one day comprehend the meaning hid ,deep in the being of those wondrous elves ,who show their wisdom through a merry mask4 ,yet now my power hath not advanced so far4 ,,felix ,,balde3 ,felicia1 thou knowest how ,i love ,those fairy beings who do visit thee2 ,but to conceive them as mechanical ,embodied dolls--this goes against the grain4 ,,dame ,,balde3 ,as yet ,i have not brought them to thee thus2 ,thy fancy flies--too high2 but ,i was glad ,when ,strader's plan was told me1 and1 ,i heard1 ,thomasius also strives to represent ,the spirit cased in matter visible4 ,i saw in spirit dancing merrily ,my fairy princes and my souls of fire ,in thousand doll-games1 beautified by art2 ,and there ,i left them1 happy in the thought1 ,to find their own way to the nurseries4 ,curtain ,,scene #d ,the ,same4 7,the ,manager and ,romanus1 pausing in their walk1 speak as follows47 ,,manager3 ,thou know'st the mystic friends of ,hilary1 ,and ,i perceive in thee a clever man ,with power to give at all times judgment sure ,both in life's work and in the mystic arts3 ,and so ,i value thy considered thought4 ,but how shall ,i make sense of what thou sayst8 ,that ,strader's friends should stay in spirit-realms ,and not as yet use their clairvoyant powers ,upon the fashioning of things of sense ,seems right to thee4 ,but will the selfsame path ,for ,strader not be just as dangerous8 ,his spirit methods seem to prove to me ,that nature-spirits always blind his eyes ,as soon as strong desire for personal deeds ,drives him to seek some outer work in life4 ,within oneself1 as all true mystics know1 ,those forces must develop in their strength ,in order to oppose these enemies2 ,but ,strader's sight1 it seems1 is not yet ripe ,to see such foes upon his spirit-path4 ,,romanus3 ,yet those good spirits who conduct such men1 ,as stand outside the spirit-realms entire1 ,have not yet left his side1 but guide his steps4 ,these spirits ever pass those mystics by ,who make a pact with beings to secure ,their service for their personal spirit mood4 ,in ,strader's methods ,i can plainly feel ,how nature-spirits still give to his self ,the fruits of their benign activity4 ,,manager3 ,so 'tis by feeling only thou art led ,to think good spirits work in ,strader's case2 ,thou off'rest little and dost ask full much4 ,these are the spirits ,i must henceforth ask ,if ,i continue active in this place ,where for so long ,i have been privileged ,to serve the work-plans and that spirit true ,which ,hilary's own father ever loved2 ,and which ,i still hear speaking from his grave1 ,e'en if his son hath no more ears for it4 ,what saith this spirit of that brave strong man ,when he perceives these crazy spirits now ,which his son tries to bring within his house8 ,i know that spirit who for ninety years ,lived in his body4 ,he it was who taught ,to me the truest secrets of my work ,in those old days when he could work himself1 ,the while his son crept off to mystic fanes4 ,,romanus3 ,my friend1 canst thou indeed be unaware ,how highly this same spirit ,i revere8 ,his servant certainly was that old man ,whom for a pattern thou didst rightly choose4 ,and ,i myself have striv'n to serve him too ,from childhood's days up to the present time4 ,but ,i too crept away to mystic fanes4 ,i planted truly deep within my soul ,what they were willing to bestow on me4 ,but reason swept aside the temple mood ,when at the door it entered into life4 ,i knew that in this way ,i best could bring ,this mood's strong forces into earthly life4 ,from out the temple none the less ,i brought ,my soul into my work4 ,and it is well ,that soul by reason should not be disturbed4 ,,manager3 ,and dost thou find that ,strader's spirit-way ,is even distantly akin to thine8 ,i find myself at thy side ever free ,from spirit-beings ,strader brings to me4 ,i clearly feel1 e'en in his random speech1 ,how elemental spirits1 quick with life1 ,by word and nature pour themselves through him ,revealing things the senses cannot grasp4 ,it is just this that keeps me off from him4 ,,romanus3 ,this speech1 my friend1 doth strike me to the heart4 ,since ,i drew nigh to ,strader ,i have felt ,those very thoughts which come to me through him ,to be endowed with quite peculiar power4 ,they cleft me just as if they were mine own4 ,and one day ,i reflected3 ,what if ,i ,owe to his soul not to myself the power ,which let me ripen to maturity6 ,hard on this feeling came a second one2 ,what if for all that makes me of some use ,in life and work and service for mankind ,i am indebted to some past earth-life8 ,,manager3 ,i feel precisely thus about him too4 ,when one draws near to him1 the spirit which ,doth work through him moves powerfully one's soul4 ,and if thy strong soul must succumb to him1 ,how shall ,i manage to protect mine own ,if ,i unite with him in this his work8 ,,romanus3 ,it will depend on thee alone to find ,the right relation 'twixt thyself and him4 ,i think that ,strader's power will not harm me ,since in my thought ,i have conceived a way ,in which he may have made that power his own4 ,,manager3 ,have made--his own--such power--and over thee-- ,a dreamer--over the--the man of deeds6 ,,romanus3 ,if one might dare to make a guess that now ,some spirit lives its life in ,strader's frame ,who in some earlier earth-life had attained ,to most unusual altitude of soul2 ,who knew much which the men of his own time ,were still too undeveloped to conceive4 ,then it were possible that in those days ,thoughts in his spirit did originate ,which by degrees could make their way to earth ,and mingle in the common life of men2 ,and that from this source people like myself ,have drawn their capability for work-- ,the thoughts which in my youth ,i seized upon1 ,and which ,i found in my environment1 ,might well have been this spirit's progeny6 ,,manager3 ,and dost thou think it justifiable ,to trace back thoughts to ,strader and none else ,that hold a value for mankind's whole life8 ,,romanus3 ,i were a dreamer if ,i acted thus4 ,i spin no dreams about mankind's whole life ,with eyes fast closed4 ,i ne'er had use for thoughts ,that show themselves and forthwith fade away4 ,i look at ,strader with wide-open eyes2 ,and see what this man's nature proves to be1 ,what qualities he hath and how he acts1 ,and that wherein he fails2--and then ,i know ,i have no option left me but to judge ,of his endowments as ,i have just done4 ,as if this man had stood before mine eyes ,already many hundred years ago1 ,so do ,i feel him in my spirit now4 ,and that ,i am awake--,i know full well4 ,i shall lend my support to ,hilary2 ,for that which must will surely come to pass4 ,so think his project over once again4 ,,manager3 ,it will be of more benefit to me ,if ,i think over that which thou hast said4 7,exeunt ,manager and ,romanus4 ,johannes comes from another direction1 deep in thought1 and sits down on a boulder4 ,johannes is at first alone1 afterwards appear his ,double1 the ,spirit of ,johannes' youth1 and finally the ,guardian of the ,threshold1 and ,ahriman47 ,,johannes3 ,i was astonished when ,capesius ,made known to me how my soul's inner self ,revealed itself unto his spirit's eye4 ,i could so utterly forget a fact ,which years ago was clear as day to me3-- ,that all that lives within the human soul ,works further in the outer spirit-realms2 ,long have ,i known it1 yet ,i could forget4 ,when ,benedictus was directing me ,to my first spirit-vision1 ,i beheld ,capesius and ,strader by this means1 ,clear as a picture1 in another age4 ,i saw the potent pictures of their thoughts ,send circling ripples through the world's expanse4 ,well do ,i know all this--and knew it not ,when ,i beheld it through ,capesius4 ,the part of me which knows was not awake2 ,that in an earth-life of the distant past ,capesius and ,i were closely knit3 ,that also for a long time have ,i known1-- ,yet at that instant ,i did know it not4 ,how can ,i keep my knowledge all the time8 7,a voice from the distance1 that of ,johannes' ,double47 ',the magical web ,that forms their own life4' ,,johannes3 ',and clairvoyant dreams ,make clear unto souls ,the magical web ,that forms their own life4' 7,while ,johannes is speaking these lines his ,double approaches him4 ,johannes does not recognize him1 but thinks the other ,philia is coming towards him47 ,o spirit-counsellor1 thou com'st once more2 ,true counsel didst thou bring unto my soul4 ,,the ,,double3 ,johannes1 thine awakening is but false ,until thou shalt thyself set free the shade ,whom thine offence doth lend a magic life4 ,,johannes3 ,this is the second time thou speakest thus4 ,i will obey thee4 ,point me out the way4 ,,the ,,double3 ,johannes1 give life in the shadow-realm ,to what is lost to thee in thine own self4 ,from out thy spirit's light pour light on him ,so that he will not have to suffer pain4 ,,johannes3 ,the shadow-being in me ,i have stunned ,but not o'erthrown3 wherefore he must remain ,a shade enchanted amongst the other shades ,till ,i can re-unite myself with him4 ,,the ,,double3 ,then give to me that which thou owest him3 ,the power of love1 that drives thee forth to him1 ,the heart's hope1 that was first begot by him1 ,the fresh life1 that lies hidden deep in him1 ,the fruits of earth-lives in the distant past1 ,which with his being now are lost to thee2 ,oh1 give them me2 ,i'll bring them safe to him4 ,,johannes3 ,thou knowest the way to him8--,oh1 show it me4 ,,the ,,double3 ,i could get to him in the shadow-realm ,when thou didst raise thyself to spirit-spheres2 ,but since1 desire-powers tempting thee1 thou didst ,avert thy mind to follow after him1 ,when now ,i seek him my strength ever fails4 ,but if thou wilt abide by my advice ,my strength can then create itself anew4 ,,johannes3 ,i vowed to thee that ,i would follow thee-- ,and now1 ,o spirit-counsellor1 again ,with all my soul's strength ,i renew that vow4 ,but if thou canst thus find the way to him1 ,then show it to me in this hour of fate4 ,,the ,,double3 ,i find it now but cannot lead the way4 ,i can alone show to thine inward eye ,the being whom thy longing now doth seek4 7,the spirit of ,johannes' ,youth appears47 ,,the ,,spirit ,,of ,,johannes' ,,youth3 ,thanks to that spirit ,i shall ever owe ,who was allowed thy soul sight to unseal1 ,so that when ,i appear by spirit-law ,thou wilt henceforth behold me open-eyed4 ,but thou must first this spirit truly know1 ,at whose side thou art now beholding me4 7,the spirit of ,johannes' ,youth disappears3 only now does ,johannes recognise the ,double47 ,,johannes3 ,that spirit-counsellor--mine other self8 ,,the ,,double3 ,now follow me--thou hast so vowed to me-- ,for ,i must now conduct thee to my lord4 7,the ,guardian of the ,threshold appears and stands beside the ,double47 ,,the ,,guardian3 ,johannes1 wouldst thou tear this shade away ,from those enchanted regions of the soul1 ,then slay desire1 which leads thee aye astray4 ,the trace which thou dost follow disappears ,so long as thou dost seek it with desire4 ,it leads thee to my threshold and beyond4 ,but here1 obeying lofty ,being's will1 ,i do confuse the inward sight of those ,within whose spirit-glance lives vain desire2 ,all these must meet me ere they are allowed ,to penetrate to ,truth's pure radiant light4 ,i hold thyself fast prisoned in thy sight ,so long as thou approachest with desire4 ,myself too as illusion dost thou see1 ,so long as vain desire is joined with sight ,and spirit-peacefulness of soul hath not ,become as yet thy being's vehicle4 ,make strong those words of power which thou dost know1 ,their spirit-power will conquer fantasy4 ,then recognise me1 free from all desire1 ,and thou shalt see me as ,i really am4 ,and then ,i need no longer hinder thee ,from gazing freely on the spirit-realm4 ,,johannes3 ,but as illusion dost thou too appear8 ,thou too 444 whom ,i must ever see the first1 ,of all the beings in the spirit-land4 ,how shall ,i know the truth when ,i must find ,one truth alone confront mine onward steps-- ,that ever denser grows illusion's veil4 ,,ahriman3 ,let not thyself be quite confused by him4 ,he guards the threshold faithfully indeed ,e'en if today thou see'st him wear the clothes ,which for thyself thou didst patch up before ,within thy spirit from old odds and ends4 ,and least of all shouldst thou behold in him ,an actor in a poor dramatic show4 ,but thou wilt make it better later on4 ,yet e'en this clownish form can serve thy soul4 ,it doth not have to spend much energy ,in showing thee that which it now still is4 ,pay close attention to the ,guardian's speech3 ,its tone is mournful and its pathos marked1 ,allow not this3 for then he will disclose ,from whom today he borrows to excess4 ,,johannes3 ,then e'en the content of his speech deceives8 ,,the ,,double3 ,ask not of ,ahriman1 since he doth find ,in contradictions aye his chief delight4 ,,johannes3 ,of whom then shall ,i ask8 ,,the ,,double3 ,why1 ask thyself4 ,with my power will ,i fortify thee well ,so that awake thou mayst find the place ,whence thou canst gaze untramelled by desire4 ,increase thy power4 ,,johannes3 ',the magical web ,that forms their own life4' ,o magical web that forms mine own life ,make known to me where desire doth not burn4 7,the ,guardian disappears3 in his place appear ,benedictus and ,maria47 ,,maria3 ,myself too as illusion dost thou see ,since vain desire is still allied with sight4 ,,benedictus3 ,and spirit-peacefulness of soul hath not ,become as yet thy being's vehicle4 7,the ,double1 ,benedictus1 and ,maria disappear47 ,,johannes3 ,maria1 ,benedictus1--,guardians6 ,how can they as the ,guardian come to me8 ',tis true ,i have spent many years with thee ,and this forbids me now to seek thine aid-- ,the magical web that forms mine own self4 7,exit1 right47 7,enter ,strader1 ,benedictus1 and ,maria1 left47 ,,strader3 ,thou gav'st1 when joined in spirit unto me ,before the dark abyss of mine own self1 ,wise counsel to direct mine inward sight1 ,which at that time ,i could not understand1 ,but which will work such changes in my soul ,as certainly will solve life's problems1 when ,they seek to hinder what ,i strive to do4 ,i feel in me the power which thou dost give ,to thy disciples on the spirit-path4 ,and so ,i shall be able to perform ,the service thou dost ask for in this work ,that ,hilary to mankind will devote2 ,we shall1 however1 lack ,capesius4 ,whatever strength the rest bring to the work ,will not replace his keen activity2 ,but that which must will surely come to pass4 ,,benedictus3 ,yea1 that which must will surely come to pass4 ,this phrase expresseth thine own stage of growth4 ,but it awakes no answering response ,in souls of all our other spirit-friends4 ,thomasius is not as yet prepared ,to carry spirit-power to worlds of sense1 ,so he too will withdraw from this same work4 ,through him doth destiny give us a sign ,that we must all now seek another plan ,,strader3 ,will not ,maria and thyself be there8 ,,benedictus3 ,maria must ,johannes take with her ,if she would ever find in truth the road1 ,which leads from spirit to the world of sense4 ,thus wills the ,guardian who with earnest eye ,unceasing guards the borders of both realms4 ,she cannot lend her aid to thee as yet4 ,and this may serve thee as a certain sign ,that thou canst not at this time truly find ,the way into the realm of earthly things4 ,,strader3 ,so ,i and all my aims are left alone6 ,o loneliness1 didst thou then seek me out ,when ,i did stand at ,felix ,balde's side8 ,,benedictus3 ,the thing which hath just happened in our group ,hath taught me1 as ,i look on thy career1 ,to read a certain word in spirit-light ,which hitherto hath hid itself from me4 ,i saw that thou wast bound to certain kinds ,of beings1 who1 if they should take a part ,creatively in mankind's life today1 ,would surely work for evil2 now they live ,as germs in certain souls1 and will grow ripe ,in future days to work upon the earth4 ,such germs have ,i seen living in thy soul4 ,that thou dost know them not is for thy good4 ,through thee they will first learn to know themselves4 ,but now the road is still close barred for them ,which leads into the realm of earthly things4 ,,strader3 ,whatever else thy words may say to me1 ,they show me that my lot is loneliness4 ,and this it is must truly forge my sword4 ,maria told me this at mine abyss4 7,benedictus and ,maria retire a little way2 ,strader remains alone2 the soul of ,theodora appears47 ,,theodora',s ,,soul3 ,and ,theodora in the worlds of light ,will make warmth for thee that thy spirit-sword ,may keenly smite the foes of thine own soul4 7,disappears4 ,exit ,strader4 ,benedictus and ,maria come to the front of stage47 ,,maria3 ,my learned teacher1 ne'er yet did ,i hear ,thee tell disciples1 who had reached the stage ,of ,strader1 in such tones the words of fate4 ,will his soul run its course so speedily ,that these words' power will prove of use to him8 ,,benedictus3 ,fate gave the order1 and it was fulfilled4 ,,maria3 ,and if the power should prove no use to him1 ,will not its evils also fall on thee8 ,,benedictus3 ',twill not be evil2 yet ,i do not know ,in what way it will manifest in him4 ,my gaze at present penetrates to realms ,where such advice illuminates my soul2 ,but ,i see not the scene of its result4 ,and if ,i try to see1 my vision dies4 ,,maria3 ,thy vision dies1--my guide and leader1 thine8-- ,who stays for thee thy seership's certain gaze8 ,,benedictus3 ,johannes flees therewith to cosmic space2 ,we must pursue2--for ,i can hear him call4 ,,maria3 ,he calls1--from spirit-space his call rings out2 ,there sounds within his tone a distant fear4 ,,benedictus3 ,so from the ever empty fields of ice ,our mystic friend's call sounds in cosmic space4 ,,maria3 ,the ice's cold is burning in my self1 ,and kindling tongues of flame in my soul-depths2 ,the flames are scorching all my power of thought4 ,,benedictus3 ,in thy soul-depths the fire doth blaze1 which now ,johannes kindles in the cosmic frost4 ,,maria3 ,the flames fly off1--they fly off with my thought4 ,and there on distant cosmic shore of souls ,a furious fight--my power of thought doth fight-- ,in stormy chaos--and cold spirit-light-- ,my thought-power reels2--the cold light--hammers out ,hot waves of darkness from my failing thought4 ,what now emergeth from this darkling heat8 ,clad in red flames my self storms--to the light2-- ,to the cold light--of cosmic fields of ice4 ,curtain ,,scene #e ,the ,spirit ,realm4 ,the scene is set in floods of significant colour1 reddish deepening into fiery red above1 blue merging into dark blue and violet below4 ,in the lower part there is an earth-globe which has the effect of being a symbol4 ,the figures that appear seem to blend into a complete whole with the colours4 ,on the left of the stage the group of gnomes as in ,scene #b1 in front of them ,hilary1 and in the immediate foreground the soul-forces4 ,,felix ,,balde',s ,,soul3 7,seated at the extreme right of stage1 having the form of a penitent1 but arrayed in a light violet robe girdled with gold47 ,i thank thee1 ,spirit1 wise to govern worlds1 ,my saviour from my gloomy loneliness2 ,thy word awakens unto work and life4 ,i will make use of what thou giv'st to worlds ,about which ,i can meditate1 whilst thou ,dost let mine own become insensible4 ,for then thou bearest to them on thy rays ,that which in pictures fashioneth powers for me4 ,,lucifer3 7,bluish-green glittering under-garment1 reddish outer-garment1 shaped like a mantle and gleaming brightly1 which extends into wing-like outlines2 his upper part is not an aura but he wears a mitre of deep red bordered with wings2 on his right wing a blue shape having the appearance of a sword2 a yellow shape1 like the ball of a planet1 is supported by his left wing4 ,he stands somewhat behind and to the right1 towering over ,felix ,balde's soul47 ,my servant1 such activity as thine ,the sun-time needs1 in which we find ourselves4 ,the earth-star now receives a faded light2 ,it is the time when souls like thine can work ,unto the best advantage on themselves4 ,on thee ,i ray forth from my fount of light ,the germs that tend to raise self-consciousness4 ,go1 gather them to make thine ego strong4 ,in later earth-life they will come to flower4 ,there shall the blossoms by thy soul be sought2 ,in its own nature it will take delight ,when it can joy in planning its desires4 ,,felix ,,balde',s ,,soul3 7gazing at the group of gnomes4 ,from this moment1 the gnomes becoming conscious1 keep swaying up and down1 slightly raising and lowering themselves1 as if the group was breathing from above47 ,there far away1 bright being disappears2 ,it floats in shadow-pictures through the depths2 ,and1 floating1 strives to gain some steadying weight4 ,,hilary',s ,,soul3 7,with the figure of a steel-blue-grey elemental spirit changed to resemble a man's2 the head less bowed1 and the limbs more human47 ,the mist of wishes doth reflect the light ,thrown on the realm of spirit by earth's star1 ,the star for which in this world thou dost form ,from soul-material a thinking self4 ,for thee 'tis but a fleeting web of mist1 ,but to themselves they seem like solid souls4 ,on earth they work1 by cosmic reason led1 ,in old fire forces1 thirsting after form4 ,,felix ,,balde',s ,,soul3 ,i will that their weight shall not burden me1 ,nor shall oppose the tendency to float4 7,the gnomes cease their movement47 ,,ahriman3 ,thy speech is good4 ,swift will ,i seize thy words ,that ,i may keep them for myself unharmed4 ,thou canst not yet develop them thyself4 ,but on the earth they would fill thee with hate4 ,,strader',s ,,soul3 7,toward the left of stage2 only his head is visible2 it is in a yellowish-green aura with red and orange stars4 ,at this moment on ,strader's immediate left appears the ,soul of ,capesius4 ,similarly only his head is to be seen4 ,it is in a blue aura with red and yellow stars47 ,i hear a word which sounds and sounds again4 ,it seems significant1 and yet the sound ,doth vanish1 and the lust for life doth seize ,its echoed answer4 ,which road would it take8 ,,the ,,other ,,philia3 7,arrayed like a copy of ,lucifer1 though the radiance is lacking4 ,instead of the sword she has a sort of dagger1 and in place of the planet a red ball like a fruit47 ,it travels onward in its search for weight ,unto the place where radiant being fades ,and misty pictures surge into the depths4 ,if thou dost keep its meaning in thy realm ,i'll bring its power to thee within the mist2 ,then thou wilt re-discover it on earth4 ,,philia3 7,figure like an angel1 yellow merging into a sort of white1 with wings of a bright violet1 a lighter shade than ,maria has later on4--,all three soul-figures are near ,strader's soul and stand in the centre of the stage47 ,the mist-creations ,i will tend for thee ,that they may not when conscious guide thy will2 ,that will ,i unto cosmic light entrust ,wherein they form the heat thy nature needs4 ,,astrid3 7,figure like an angel1 robed in bright violet1 with blue wings47 ,i beam forth clear and wondrous life of stars ,to beings1 that they may make forms therefrom4 ,they to thine earthly body shall give strength1 ,from knowledge far1 but near to heart's intent4 ,,luna3 7,figure like an angel1 robe of blue and red1 with orange wings47 ,the weighty being1 they with toil create1 ,in thy sense-body will ,i later hide2 ,that thou mayst not in thought turn it to ill ,and thus stir up a storm in earthly life4 ,,strader',s ,,soul3 ,the three were speaking to me sunshine's words1 ,they work for me where ,i can see them work4 ,full many figures are they fashioning2 ,i feel an impulse by soul-power to change ,them with design1 and make them one with me4 ,awake in me1 ,o royal solar power ,that by resistance ,i may dim thy might2 ,desire brought from moon ages moves me thus4 ,a golden glow now stirs1 ,i feel its warmth1 ,and silver sheen1 forth-spraying though yet cold2 ,awake1 ,mercurial longing1 once again ,and wed my severed cosmic self to me4 ,well do ,i feel that once again a part ,is formed from out that picture1 which ,i here ,from cosmic spirit forces must create4 ,,capesius' ,,soul3 ,on that far shore of souls ,i see emerge ,a picture that ne'er touched my being yet ,since ,i escaped the clutch of earthly life4 ,it rays out grace and soothes with soft appeal4 ,the warming glow of wisdom streams therefrom1 ,and clarifying light gives to my soul4 ,could ,i but make this picture one with me ,i should attain what ,i am thirsting for4 ,yet know ,i not the power which could avail ,to make this picture active in my sphere4 ,,luna3 ,that which two earth-lives gave thee thou must feel4 ,one1 many years ago1 slid gently by ,in earnest effort2 later on thou hadst ,one by ambition soiled2 which must be fed ,with strengthening grace descending from the first1 ,that ,jupiter's fire-souls may be revealed ,within the circle of thy spirit-sight4 ,then shalt thou feel that wisdom strengthens thee4 ,then will the picture1 which thou see'st afar ,upon the borders of thy soul's expanse1 ,be set at liberty to come to thee4 ,,capesius' ,,soul3 ,i needs must be indebted to the soul ,that now prepares for being1 since it shows ,a warning picture in my soul's expanse4 ,,astrid3 ,thou art indeed2 but not as yet doth it ,demand a payment in thy next earth-life4 ,this picture serves to give thee powers of thought ,that thou as man mayst recognize the man ,who shows his earthly future to thee here4 ,,the ,,other ,,philia3 ,the picture may indeed come closer yet ,but cannot penetrate thy very self4 ,and so restrain its longing for thyself1 ,that thou mayst find thyself on earth again ,ere it can flow into thine inmost self4 ,,capesius' ,,soul3 ,i feel before what ,i shall owe to it ,when ,i shall will to bring it near to me1 ,yet can assert that ,i am free therefrom4 ,from ,philia's domain ,i now behold ,in picture-sequences the energy ,which ,i shall gather from its near approach4 ,,philia3 ,when ,saturn soon his many-coloured light ,shall ray on thee1 use well the favour'd hour4 ,then through his power in thy soul's vehicle ,that which in spirit is akin to thee ,will plant the roots of thought1 which will disclose ,the meaning of the cyclic life of earth ,when thou dost tread again this star thyself4 ,,capesius3 ,thy counsel shall become my monitor ,as soon as ,saturn pours his light on me4 ,,lucifer3 ,one more thing will ,i waken in these souls2 ,the view of worlds whose light will cause them pain1 ,ere they can leave this sun-time fortified ,with powers for later life upon the earth4 ,pain must through doubt mature their fruit in them1 ,so will ,i summon up those spheres of soul ,which they have not the strength to look upon4 7,the souls of ,benedictus and ,maria appear in the middle of the region4 ,benedictus as a figure reproducing in miniature the configuration of the entire scenery4 ,below1 his robe1 becoming broader1 shades into blue-green2 around his head is an aura of red1 yellow and blue2 the blue blends into the blue-green of the entire robe4 ,maria on his right as an angelic figure2 yellow shading into gold1 without feet and with bright violet wings47 ,,benedictus' ,,soul3 ,thou dost weigh heavy on my cosmic task ,with these opaque earth-laden spheres of thine4 ,if thou dost give thine own self further power ,then wilt thou find that in this spirit-life ,mine own sun-nature will not shine on thee4 ,,maria3 ,he was unknown to thee1 when thou didst last ,a robe1 of earthly matter woven1 wear2 ,yet doth it still bear fruit in thy soul sheath-- ,the sunshine's word of power1 with which he fed ,thee kindly in far distant times on earth4 ,search out thy nature's deepest impulses ,and thou shalt feel him near thee then with power4 ,,felix ,,balde',s ,,soul3 ,words issue out of circles strange to me1 ,and yet their tones illuminate me not3 ,and so they are not fully real to me4 ,,strader',s ,,soul3 ,on spirit-shores illumination works1 ,yet howsoe'er ,i strive to understand ,the sense of these light-forces1 they are dumb4 ,,dame ,,balde',s ,,soul3 7,figure of a penitent with white coif1 like that of a nun2 robe yellow-orange1 with silver girdle2 she appears quite close to ,maria2 on her right and near ,felix ,balde47 ,ye souls now summoned up by ,lucifer6 ,the penitent doth hear your voices' tone1 ,but only sunshine's voice doth give him light2 ,its super-splendour doth destroy your voice4 ,the other can behold your starry light1 ,but starry writing is to him unknown4 ,,capesius' ,,soul3 ,the starry writing6 this word wakens thoughts1 ,and bears them on the waves of soul to me4 ,thoughts which in earth-lives in the distant past ,were to my being wondrously revealed ,they lighten still1 yet--as they grow1 they fade2 ,oblivion sheds its gloomy shade around4 ,,the ,,guardian3 7,enter the ,guardian of the ,threshold1 like an angel1 symbolically arrayed and steps to the side of the souls of ,maria and ,benedictus47 ,ye souls who now at ,lucifer's demand ,have drawn near the bounds of other souls1 ,in this domain ye are within my power4 ,the souls whom ye are seeking seek you too4 ,within this cosmic age 'tis not ordained ,their beings shall touch yours within their spheres ,not e'en in thought2--and so do ye beware ,lest to their orbits ye should force your way4 ,should ye do this1 'twould harm both them and you4 ,i should be bound to take away from you ,the starry light1 and banish you from them ,for cosmic ages into other spheres4 ,curtain falls slowly ,,scene #f ,a similar scene ,the same characters are still in their places4 ,the lighting is full of warm shades1 but not too bright4 ,toward the right of stage the sylphs keep swaying to and fro4 ,in front ,philia1 ,astrid1 and ,luna4 ,,capesius' ,,soul3 7,standing on the left of stage near the middle47 ,the picture1 that in sunshine's hour ,i saw1 ,beamed grace and worked with gentle kindliness2 ,e'en now within my being it holds sway1 ,when other wisdom-light illuminates ,this spirit-realm with many-coloured rays1 ,yet now the picture's influence doth grow4 ,it bids me draw therefrom1 for future times ,on earth1 that which the soul who stands revealed ,within the picture and hath mighty weight ,in mine own sphere1 once gave to my sense-life1 ,yet doth no powerful current of desire4 ,direct me to this soul4 ,,romanus' ,,soul3 7,a figure showing all the upper part of the body down to the hips2 it has mighty red wings which extend round its head in such a way as to change into a red aura1 running into blue on the outer edge2 it stands on the left of ,capesius' soul1 whilst close are the souls of ,bellicosus and ,torquatus further still to left of stage1 facing audience47 ,wake in thyself ,the picture of the ,jew who heard naught else ,but hate and ridicule on every side1 ,yet truly served the mystic brotherhood ,of which thou wast a member once on earth4 ,,capesius' ,,soul3 ,thought-pictures now begin to dawn in me1 ,and seek to seize me in their powerful grasp4 ,see ,simon's image rise from my soul-waves-- ,and see1 another joins him--some soul-shape-- ,a penitent2--would ,i might keep him far6 7,referring to ,balde1 or ,joseph ,keane in the previous play47 ,,romanus' ,,soul3 ,that which he here must do can but be done ,in cosmic sunshine-time2 in solitude ,and robed in darkness he must wend his way ,whilst ,saturn doth light up this spirit-realm4 ,,capesius' ,,soul3 ,how doth this penitent bewilder me6 ,his soul's irradiations burn and bore ,their way into mine own ,soul's inmost core-- ,so work these souls who have attained the power ,to see the inmost depths of other souls4 ,,felix ,,balde',s ,,soul3 7,from the extreme right of stage with hollow veiled voice47 ',dear ,keane1 thou hast been ever true to me'-- ,,capesius' ,,soul3 ,myself--my very words--from out his mouth ,re-echoed--ringing out--in spirit-realms6 ,here is a soul that ,i must try to meet4 ,it knows me well1--through it ,i'll find myself4 7,capesius' soul disappears2 the 'other ,philia' comes into view on the right of stage with ,theodora's soul2 behind her ,dame ,balde's soul47 ,,romanus' ,,soul3 ,two souls do there draw nigh the penitent2 ,the spirit whom through love souls ever choose ,to be their leader goes ahead of them4 ,the light of meekness pours from one of them ,and flows into the other1 who appears ,to us as penitent4 ,the picture glows ,with beauty's light1 which here as wisdom lives4 ,,torquatus' ,,soul3 7,figure visible as far as the breast1 blue aura1 green wings47 ,desire's reflection dost them but behold ,which ,i allow to shine from my soul's sheath ,into thy sphere in loyal spirit-troth4 ,fate's primal forces have appointed me ,to be the means to give thee meekness here4 ,thus souls in spirit do serve other souls4 ,thy cold hard reason never could attain ,life's gift of sympathy without mine aid4 ,,bellicosus' ,,soul3 7,figure visible like that of ,torquatus' soul1 but with blue-violet aura and blue-green wings47 ,make strong thy spirit-ear to understand ,what says the soul who rays out meekness' light4 ',neath ,saturn's beam souls can be brought to show ,this gleam of noble spirit-blessedness4 ,,theodora',s ,,soul3 7,angelic figure2 white with yellow wings and blue-yellow aura47 ,my loyal spirit-comrade1 pour on him ,in softening glow the love that permeates ,thine own soul-sheath1 for it will soothe for him ,the all-consuming fire of solitude-- ,and do thou unto him direct thought-rays ,from yonder shadow-souls who at this time ,do gather forces in the spirit-worlds ,that their soul-bodies may thus gleam with life1 ,that so their gleaming1 glowing life may serve ,to strengthen in forthcoming lives on earth ,clairvoyant consciousness in human souls4 ,,dame ,,balde',s ,,soul3 7,to ,felix47 ,feel me1 thou spirit garbed as penitent4 ,o thou sun-soul1 receive the power of stars4 ,until thy spirit-sheath doth free itself ,from ,lucifer's dominion1 ,i shall be ,beside thee in thy solitude to bring ,thee powers which ,i shall roam o'er cosmic space ,from star to star to gather up for thee4 ,,theodora',s ,,soul3 ,past thoughts of earth arise in glowing light ,on yonder shore of souls4 ,a human form4 ,i saw it when on earth2 it follows here2 ,what once ,i heard is now re-echoed here2 7,lucifer appears with the soul of ,johannes1 who has the appearance of an angel4 ,his robes rose-coloured with lilac rose-coloured wings4 ,no feet47 ',from out ,god's being rose the human soul2 ,it can in death dive down to nature's depths2 ,in time it will set spirit free from death4' ,,the ,,other ,,philia3 ,this sounding living picture-being brings ,the force of noble brother-love to us ,which thou didst faithfully display on earth4 ,i'll change it into soul-power for thy use4 ,the message ,i direct unto thy soul ,absorbs the glimm'ring light of shadow-souls1 ,who1 during earth-life will arouse in thee ,the thoughts they brood on through eternity4 ,and thou1 the penitent of spirit-realms1 ,direct thy soul-steps onward to the stars2 ,there nature-spirits long to use thy work ,wherefrom they will beam fantasy to souls ,and so will fashion wings for life on earth4 ,,dame ,,balde',s ,,soul3 ,i follow thee1 dear sister of my soul1 ,my ,philia1 who dost weave love from star ,to star and from one spirit to the next4 ,i follow thee aloft to starry worlds1 ,i take thy words to many cosmic spheres1 ,and thus by spirit-work build up myself ,for mine own future wanderings on earth4 7,felix ,balde's soul disappears slowly1 led by ,dame ,balde's soul2 ,theodora stands motionless looking at ,johannes' soul1 then she also disappears1 as does ,lucifer with the soul of ,johannes47 ,,romanus' ,,soul3 ,that which we just have witnessed in this place1 ,how love's word works with the creative word ,in closest union1 doth arouse in us ,germs we shall need in future lives on earth4 7,the souls of ,romanus1 ,torquatus1 and ,bellicosus disappear--,benedictus' soul and ,maria's soul appear by the side of the ,guardian of the ,threshold1 who now enters47 ,,the ,,guardian3 ,behold the cosmic midnight of yourselves6 ,i hold you 'neath the spell of ripened light ,which pours on you from ,saturn1 till your sheaths1 ,more strongly waking through this same light's power ,become self-luminous1 with living hues4 ,,maria',s ,,soul3 ,doth cosmic midnight come when souls awake8 ,it was the moon-time1 when the sun declared ,the earnest word of ,fate1 that human souls1 ,who see their cosmic midnight hour awake1 ,see lightnings1 which with instantaneous flash ,light up the things that are to be1 but pass ,again so quickly that the spirit-sight ,dies at the very moment of its birth-- ,and death becomes a seal of destiny ,for ever stamped upon the souls who saw4 ,such souls hear too the words of thunder clear ,which dully roll through cosmic fundaments ,and threaten soul-illusion as they roll4 7,lucifer reappears with the ,soul of ,johannes47 ,,benedictus' ,,soul3 ,from ever empty fields of ice fate's cry ,doth reach to us from our dear mystic friend4 ,when we the cosmic midnight can perceive1 ,we reach the spirit-circle of the soul4 ,,maria',s ,,soul3 ,the flames draw nigh1 they draw nigh with my thought ,there from my distant cosmic shore of souls2 ,a fierce strife doth draw nigh2--'tis mine own thought ,which battles with the thoughts of ,lucifer2-- ,mine own thought battles in another's soul1-- ,the hot light issues--out of gloomy cold-- ,like lightning flashes4 ,is this hot soul-light-- ,this soul-light--in the cosmic fields of ice8 ,,lucifer3 ,the light thou seest--'tis my hot cosmic light-- ,see too the lightning flashes of thy thought ,strike from the bounds of ,lucifer's domain4 ,i bring within the focus of thy gaze ,the soul so long and closely bound to thee ,when thou dost feel thy cosmic midnight hour4 ,henceforth thy search must find another way ,to come into communion with this soul4 ,o soul1 who to this place hast followed me1 ,display and use the forces of the light ,which ,saturn on her cosmic midnight pours4 ,,johannes' ,,soul3 ,i can feel souls1 but have not yet the power ,to make their light grow visible in me4 ,however close they are they generate ,thoughts which but serve to light me from afar4 ,how can ,i raise them to mine inner sight8 ,,philia3 ,thou wilt see them if thou dost swiftly grasp ,what they illumine in the cosmic light2 ,shouldst thou behold1 use well that moment's space2 ,light such as this is quickly gone again4 ,,johannes' ,,soul3 ,what yonder guide's soul to his pupil speaks1-- ,that pupil's soul so near and dear to me1-- ,should now illuminate my soul's domain4 ,,benedictus' ,,soul3 ,bring forth within this spirit-midnight hour ,the will that thou desir'st to feel again ,when earthly forces once more clothe thy form4 ,thy words shall prove a light to thy friend's soul4 ,,maria',s ,,soul3 ,let then my words grow strong in cosmic light1 ,which at this cosmic midnight ,i confide ,unto the soul brought me by ,lucifer4 ,whatever in mine inmost soul is dear ,i will behold it and1 beholding1 speak1 ,that it may form itself into a tone1 ,to which this soul shall answer when on earth1 ,and1 loving it1 shall live as it commands4 ,what now do ,i see in mine inmost soul8 ,a lofty counsel in flame-letters writ4 ,my love for that dear guiding-soul flames out1 ,who in mine earth--as in my spirit-life ,hath led me on through each successive age2 ,who ever found me when mine instant prayer ,sought help in danger1 even when it dwelt ,on spirit-heights itself2 in dazzling light ,this love appears to me2 sound out from me1 ,thou word of love1 unto this other soul4 ,what flames are those this word of love doth wake8 ,they glow so gently1 yet their gentle light ,pours forth a sense of lofty dignity2 ,by wisdom's lightnings1 whence a blessing flows1 ,the cosmic ether is lit up around-- ,and bliss comes pouring with attendant joy ,o'er all the compass of my soul's domain4 ,of thee1 ,duration1 would ,i crave a boon2 ,pour out thyself into this blessedness1 ,and let my guide and let that other soul ,now dwell therein with me in peacefulness4 ,,the ,,guardian3 ,now let the lightnings vanish into naught ,whose sharp flash brings to view necessities ,when souls awake and feel the ,cosmic ,north4 ,let thunder also lose its roar1 which rolls ,in warning at the cosmic midnight hour4 ,astrid1 to thee ,i give a strict command3 ,keep close watch o'er this thunder-storm of souls ,till in the course of time the soul awakes ,to find its cosmic midnight once again1 ,then shall it see itself in other guise1 ,e'en in a picture of an olden time1 ,and know how strength for lofty spirit-flight ,e'en from disaster may the soul's wings gain4 ,a soul may never wish itself to fall2 ,yet1 when it falls it must a lesson learn4 ,,astrid3 ,the lightning's power and thunder's will ,i guard ,and keep them safe within the cosmic life1 ,till ,saturn turns toward the soul once more4 ,,maria3 ,i feel the blessedness of stars endure1 ,and in the stream of time ,i enter it4 ,i'll live and work within its kindly sway ,with this soul-being long since knit to mine4 ,,luna3 ,i will protect thy work in spirit here1 ,that thou mayst reap the fruits in life on earth4 ,,johannes' ,,soul3 ,within my soul's domain--,i see this star6 ,it pours forth kindness--beams forth blessedness-- ,in cosmic ether floating--this soul star-- ,but there--in yon faint light--another star-- ,its note is faint1--yet will ,i list thereto4 7,with the last words appears the spirit of ,johannes' youth4 ,figure like an angel's2 silvery sheen47 ,,the ,,spirit ,,of ,,johannes' ,,youth3 ,i feed with life the being of thy wish1 ,my breath will pour into thy youthful aims ,enlightening strength1 when worlds are tempting thee ,within which ,i can guide thee joyfully4 ,if thou shouldst lose me in thyself1 ,i must ,then offer up myself as sacrifice1 ,a being reft of being1 to the shades4 ,o blossom of my being1--leave me not4 ,,lucifer3 ,he never will forsake thee--,i behold ,deep in his nature longings after light ,which do not follow up the other soul4 ,and when the radiance1 which is born of them1 ,takes root and grows deep down within his soul1 ,it must bear fruit2 nor will he be content ,to throw this fruit away in yonder realm ,where love1 divorced from beauty1 reigns alone4 ,slow curtain ,,scene #g ,a temple somewhat ,egyptian in appearance4 ,a place of initiation in the far-distant past in this ,earth's third stage of post-,atlantean civilisation4 ,a conversation between the hierophant1 otherwise ,capesius1 the keeper of the temple1 otherwise ,felix ,balde or ,joseph ,keane and a mystic1 otherwise ,dame ,balde or ,dame ,keane4 ,,hierophant3 ,are all the preparations duly made1 ,my keeper of the temple1 to the end ,our holy rite may serve both gods and men8 ,,keeper3 ,so far as human forethought can provide ,all hath been well prepared2 a holy breath ,hath filled the temple now for many days4 ,,hierophant3 ,my mystic1 as the royal counsellor1 ,a priest hath been selected unto whom ,this very day our secret wisdom's store ,is with all holiness to be revealed4 ,hast thou then so prepared him by thy tests ,that he is now entirely given o'er ,to wisdom set apart from earthly cares1 ,and shuts his ear to all but spirit-lore8 ,a different counsellor would do us harm4 ,,mystic3 ,the tests were given as the law ordains1 ,the masters found them adequate2 ,i think ,our mystic hath but little natural taste ,for earthly cares2 his soul is set upon ,his spirit-progress and development ,of self2 in spirit trance he oft is seen4 ',tis not too much to say he revels in ,the union of the spirit with his soul4 ,,hierophant3 ,has thou then often seen him in this state8 ,,mystic3 ,in truth he may thus frequently be seen4 ,his nature doubtless is inclined toward ,the temple's service rather than the state's4 ,,hierophant3 ,it is enough4 ,now go to thine own place ,and see our holy rite is well performed2 7,exit ,mystic47 ,to thee1 my keeper1 ,i have more to say4 ,thou knowest how ,i prize thy mystic gifts3 ,to me thou bearest wisdom far beyond ,that which befits thy status in this shrine4 ,oft to thy seership have ,i had recourse ,to prove what mine own spirit-sight hath seen4 ,and so ,i ask1 what confidence hast thou ,that this new mystic is for spirit ripe8 ,,keeper3 ,who asks for my opinion8 ,is my voice ,of any worth8 ,,hierophant3 ,it aye hath worth for me4 ,today again thou shalt stand by my side2 ,we must most closely watch this holy rite ,with inward sight2 and1 should the 'mystic' prove ,e'en in the slightest way unripe as yet ,for its high meaning in the spirit life1 ,i shall refuse him rank as 'counsellor4' ,,keeper3 ,what is it then that now may be revealed ,in this new 'mystic' at our holy rite4 ,,hierophant3 ,i know he is not worthy of the trust ,the temple servants seek to give to him4 ,his human nature is well known to me4 ,his mystic-sense is not that heartfelt urge ,which stirs in men when light from spirit realms ,in kindness draws souls upwards to itself4 ,strong passion surges in his being yet2 ,the craving of his senses is not stilled4 ,indeed ,i would not blame the will divine1 ,which e'en in craving and in passion pours ,its wisdom-light o'er evolution's stream4 ,but when the craving doth conceal itself1 ,and revel 'neath devotion's mystic mask1 ,it causeth thought to lie1 and makes will false4 ,the light that weaves the web of spirit-worlds ,can never penetrate unto such souls1 ,since passion spreads a mystic fog between4 ,,keeper3 ,my hierophant1 thy judgment is severe ,in dealing with a man who still is young ,and inexperienced1 who can neither know ,himself nor take another course than that ,which priestly guides and mystic leaders say ,doth reach the goal along the soul's true path4 ,,hierophant3 ,i do not judge the man1 ,i judge the deed ,that will be wrought here in this holy place4 ,this holy mystic rite1 which we perform1 ,hath not importance for ourselves alone4 ,fate's stream of cosmic evolution pours ,through word and deed of sacred priestly rites4 ,what happens here in pictures comes to pass ,in everlasting life in spirit-worlds4 ,but now1 good keeper1 get thee to thy task2 ,thou wilt thyself discover how to lend ,assistance to me in this holy rite4 7,exit ,keeper1 right47 ,,hierophant4 7alone7 ,this youthful mystic will not be to blame1 ,who hopes this day to dedicate himself ,unto the wisdom1 if in these next hours ,a wrong emotion1 such as may gush out ,unheeded from his heart1 should throw its rays ,upon our sacred rite1 and in this act ,should through our symbols draw nigh spirit-spheres ,whence ill results in consequence must flow ,into the current of our human life4 ,the guides and leaders are themselves to blame4 ,have they not learned to know the mystic force ,which penetrates in some mysterious way ,with spirit every word and sigh of ours2 ,and ceases not from action even when ,the contents of a soul are poured therein ,which hinders cosmic evolution's course8 ,instead of this young mystic consciously ,here to the spirit off'ring up himself1 ,his teachers drag him like a sacrifice ,into the holy precincts1 where his soul ,unconsciously he to the spirit yields4 ,for verily he would not take this road ,if he were conscious master of his soul4 ,within the circle of our mysteries ,the highest hierophant alone doth know ,what mystic truths lurk in our sacred forms4 ,but he is dumb as solitude itself4 ,such silence his high dignity commands4 ,the others gaze uncomprehendingly ,when of our ritual's real intent ,i speak4 ,so am ,i left to bear my cares alone2 ,well-nigh unbearable their burden seems ,when all the meaning of our ritual ,and of our temple is borne in on me4 ,one thing especially ,i deeply feel-- ,the solitude of this stern spirit-shrine4 ,why do ,i feel so lonely in this place8 ,the soul must ask this question4 ,when1 ah1 when ,will to my soul the spirit make reply8 ,curtain falls slowly ,,scene #h ,,part ,i ,outside the ,egyptian temple4 ,an ,egyptian woman is seen crouching by the wall4 ,she is a previous incarnation of ,johannes ,thomasius4 ,,egyptian ,,woman3 ,this is the hour in which he dedicates ,himself to serve the ancient holy laws ,of sacred wisdom1--and in doing this ,he must forever tear himself from me4 ,from out those heights of light to which his soul ,progresses there must flash into mine own ,the ray of death4 ,when ,i am torn from him-- ,naught doth remain for me in life on earth ,but mourning--resignation--sorrow--death4 7,clinging to the wall47 ,yet though in this hour he abandons me ,i1 none the less1 will stay close to the spot ,where he unto the spirit gives himself4 ,and if mine eyes are not allowed to see ,how he doth tear himself away from earth1 ,perchance 'twill be now granted in a dream ,to linger disembodied by his side4 ,,part ,,ii ,inside the temple4 ,the hall of initiation4 ,the ceremony is performed on a broad flight of steps descending from the back to the front of the stage4 ,the characters stand in groups below one another and on different steps4 ,the drop-curtain goes up1 disclosing everything in readiness for the initiation of the ,neophyte1 who is to be thought of as an earlier incarnation of ,maria2 behind the altar and to the left of it stands the ,chief ,hierophant who is to be thought of as an earlier incarnation of ,benedictus2 on the other side the ,recorder1 an earlier incarnation of ,hilary ,true-to-,god2 a little in front of the altar the ,keeper of the ,seals1 an earlier incarnation of ,theodora2 in front1 on the right side of the altar1 the ,impersonator of the ,earth ,element1 an earlier incarnation of ,romanus1 and with him the ,impersonator of the ,air ,element1 an earlier incarnation of ,magnus ,bellicosus2 quite close to the ,chief ,hierophant1 stands the ,hierophant1 an earlier incarnation of ,capesius2 on the left side of the altar the ,impersonator of the ,fire ,element1 an earlier incarnation of ,doctor ,strader1 with the ,impersonator of the ,water ,element1 an earlier incarnation of ,torquatus4 ,in front of them ,philia1 ,astrid1 ,luna and the 'other ,philia4' ,four other priests stand in front of them4 ,in front of all ,lucifer to the left of altar and ,ahriman to the right in the guise of sphinxes1 with the cherub emphasized in the case of ,lucifer and the bull in the case of ,ahriman4 ,dead silence for a while after the interior of the temple with its grouped mystics has become visible4 ,the ,keeper of the ,temple an earlier incarnation of ,felix ,balde1 and a ,mystic1 an earlier incarnation of ,dame ,balde1 lead the ,neophyte in through a doorway on the right of stage4 ,they place him in the inner circle near the altar1 and remain standing near him4 ,,the ,,keeper ,,of ,,the ,,temple3 ,from out that web of unreality ,which thou1 in error's darkness named'st world1 ,the mystic hath conducted thee to us4 ,from being and from naught the world was made ,which to a semblance wove itself for thee4 ,semblance is good1 by being understood2 ,thou didst but dream it in thy sembled life2 ,and semblance known by semblance disappears4 ,learn1 semblance of a semblance1 what thou art4 ,,the ,,mystic3 ,thus speaks the guardian of this temple's door4 ,feel in thyself the sore weight of his words4 ,,the ,,impersonator ,,of ,,the ,,earth ,,element3 ,beneath the weight of earth-life seize upon ,the semblance of your being without fear4 ,that thou mayst sink into the cosmic depths ,in darksome cosmic depths thy being seek4 ,bind to thy semblance that which thou dost find2 ,its weight will give thy being unto thee4 ,,the ,,recorder3 ,thou wilt not understand1 as thou dost sink1 ,whereto we lead till thou hast heard his call4 ,we forge for thee the form of thy real self2 ,perceive our work2 else must thou lose thyself ,as semblance in the cosmic nothingness4 ,,the ,,mystic3 ,so speaks the guardian of this temple's words4 ,feel in thyself the sore weight of his words4 ,,the ,,impersonator ,,of ,,the ,,air ,,element3 ,fly from the weight of earth-life which would kill ,the being of thyself1 as thou dost sink4 ,fly from it on the lightness of the air4 ,in light of cosmic space thy being seek4 ,bind to thy semblance that which thou dost find2 ,its flight will give thy being unto thee4 ,,the ,,recorder3 ,thou wilt not understand1 as thou dost fly1 ,whereto we lead1 till thou hast heard his call4 ,we light for thee the life of thy real self2 ,perceive our work2 else must thou lose thyself ,as semblance in the cosmic weightiness4 ,,the ,,mystic3 ,so speaks the guardian of this temple's words4 ,feel in thyself the uplift of his words4 ,,the ,,chief ,,hierophant3 ,my son1 thou wilt on wisdom's noble road ,the mystic's counsel carefully obey4 ,thou canst not see the answer in thyself2 ,for error's darkness still doth weigh thee down ,and folly strives in thee for distant things4 ,gaze therefore--on this flame which is more close 7,the bright1 quivering sacred flame flares up on the altar in the middle of the stage47 ,to thee than is the life of thine own self1 ,and read thine answer hidden in its fire4 ,,the ,,mystic3 ,so speaks the leader of this temple's rites4 ,feel in thyself the ritual's holy power4 ,,the ,,impersonator ,,of ,,the ,,fire ,,element3 ,let all the errors of thine own ideas ,be burned in fire that this rite lights for thee4 ,let1 with thine errors1 thyself also burn4 ,as flame of cosmic fire thy being seek2 ,bind to thy semblance that which thou dost find2 ,its fire will give thy being unto thee4 ,,the ,,keeper ,,of ,,the ,,seals3 ,thou wilt not understand why to a flame ,we fashion thee till thou hast heard his call4 ,we cleanse for thee the form of thine own self2 ,perceive our work2 else must thou lose thyself ,as formless being in the cosmic sea4 ,,the ,,mystic3 ,so speaks the guardian of this temple's seals4 ,feel in thyself the power of wisdom's light4 ,,the ,,impersonator ,,of ,,the ,,water ,,element3 ,resist the flame-powers of the world of fire ,that they may not devour thy being's might4 ,from semblance1 being will not rise in thee ,unless the wave-beat of the cosmic sea ,can fill thee with the music of the spheres4 ,as wave in cosmic sea thy being seek2 ,bind to thy semblance that which thou dost find2 ,its waves will give thy being unto thee4 ,,the ,,keeper ,,of ,,the ,,seals3 ,thou wilt not understand why to a wave ,we fashion thee till thou hast heard his call4 ,we build for thee the form of thine own self2 ,perceive our work2 else must thou lose thyself ,a formless being in the cosmic fire4 ,,the ,,chief ,,hierophant3 ,my son1 by powerful exercise of will ,these mystic counsels too thou must obey4 ,thou canst not see the answer in thyself2 ,by cowardly fear thy power is still congealed2 ,thou canst not fashion weakness to a wave ,that lets thy note ring out amongst the spheres4 ,so listen to thy soul-powers when they speak2 ,and thine own voice within their words perceive4 ,,philia3 ,in fire cleanse thou thyself2--and lose thyself ,as cosmic wave in music of the spheres4 ,,astrid3 ,build thou thyself in music of the spheres2 ,in cosmic distances fly light as air4 ,,luna3 ,sink with thy weight of earth to cosmic depths2 ,take courage as a self in thy sore weight4 ,,the ,,other ,,philia3 ,from thine own being draw thyself away2 ,unite thyself with elemental might4 ,,the ,,mystic3 ,thine own soul speaks thus in these temple halls2 ,feel thou therein the guidance of the powers4 ,,the ,,chief ,,hierophant 7addressing the ,hierophant73 ,my brother hierophant1 explore this soul1 ,which we are to direct to wisdom's path1 ,down to its depths2 tell us what thou dost find ,its present state of consciousness to be4 ,,the ,,hierophant3 ,all hath been done that our rite doth demand4 ,the soul no more remembers what it was4 ,the web of semblance1 spun on error's loom1 ,opposing elements have swept away2 ,in elemental strife it doth live on2 ,naught save its being hath the soul retained4 ,now of this being it shall read the life ,in cosmic words1 that speak from out the flame4 ,,the ,,chief ,,hierophant3 ,o human soul1 read now what through the flame ,the cosmic word declares within thyself4 7,a pause of considerable length ensues1 during which the stage is darkened till only the flame and indistinct outlines of the characters are visible2 at the conclusion of the pause the ,chief ,hierophant continues47 ,and now from out the cosmic vision wake6 ,declare what can be read from cosmic words6 7,the ,neophyte is silent4 ,the ,chief ,hierophant1 much alarmed1 continues73 ,he speaks not4 ,doth the vision leave thee8 ,speak6 ,,the ,,neophyte3 ,obedient to thy strict and sacred rite ,i sank into the being of this flame ,to wait the sound of lofty cosmic words4 7,the assembled mystics1 the ,hierophant excepted1 show an ever-increasing alarm during the speech of the ,neophyte47 ,i felt that ,i could shake off from myself ,the weight of earth and be as light as air4 ,i felt the loving tide of cosmic fire ,did bear me up on streaming spirit-waves4 ,i saw the body that ,i wear on earth ,as other being stand outside myself4 ,though wrapt in bliss1 and conscious of the light ,of spirit round me1 yet ,i could regard ,mine earthly sheath with longing and desire4 7,consternation all around47 ,spirits rayed light thereon from lofty worlds2 ,like shining butterflies there hovered near ,the beings who attend its active life2 ,the body by these beings bathed in light ,reflected sparkling colours manifold2 ,they shone close by1 grew fainter further off1 ,and then were scattered and dispersed in space4 ,within the being of my spirit soul ,there lurked the wish that weight of earth should sink ,me down into my sheath1 that ,i might feel ,and learn the sense of joy within life's warmth4 ,so1 diving gladly down into my sheath1 ,i heeded thy stern summons to awake4 ,,the ,,chief ,,hierophant 7himself alarmed1 to the alarmed mystics73 ,this is no spirit-vision2 earth's desires ,escaped the mystic and as offering rose ,to radiant spirit-heights2--,o sacrilege6 ,,the ,,recorder 7angrily to the ,hierophant73 ,this could not have occurred1 hadst thou performed ,the office granted thee as hierophant ,as ancient holy duty did demand4 ,,the ,,hierophant3 ,i did the duty in this solemn hour ,which those from higher realms did lay on me4 ,i did not think that which it is my place ,to think1 according to the ritual1 ,and which1 proceeding from me1 should appear ,in spirit-working in the neophyte4 ,the young man therefore hath declared to us ,none other's thoughts but his own being's self4 ,the truth hath conquered4 ,ye may punish me2 ,i had to do what ye perceived with fear4 ,i feel the times approach which will set free ,the ego from the group-soul and let loose ,its own true individual powers of thought4 ,what if the youth escapes your mystic path ,at present8--,later lives on earth will show ,with clearest signs the kind of mystic way ,which destiny hath foreordained for him4 ,,the ,,mystics3 ,o sacrilege2--thou must atone--and pay-- 7,the sphinxes begin to speak one after the other as ,ahriman and ,lucifer2 hitherto they have been as motionless as statues2 what they say is heard only by the hierophant1 the chief hierophant1 and the neophyte2--the others are full of excitement over the preceding events47 ,,ahriman ,,as ,,sphinx3 ,for my realm ,i must lay my hands upon ,what here doth wrongly seek the way to light1 ,and in the darkness further foster it2 ,that it may bring forth spirit-qualities ,which later on will let it weave itself ,with rightful meaning into human life4 ,but till it gains these spirit-qualities1 ,what in this holy service did appear ,as earthly burden1 this will serve my work4 ,,lucifer ,,as ,,sphinx3 ,for my realm ,i shall bear away the things ,that joy as spirit-wish in semblance here2 ,they'll gladly shine as semblance in the light ,and thus in spirit dedicate themselves ,to beauty from which they are kept apart ,at present by the burden of earth's weight4 ,in beauty1 semblance into being turns1 ,which later shall illuminate the earth1 ,descending as the light which flies from here4 ,,the ,,chief ,,hierophant3 ,the sphinxes speak--who were but images ,e'er since this rite by sages was performed4 ,upon dead form the spirit now hath seized4 ,o ,fate1 thou dost sound forth as cosmic word6 7,the other mystics1 with the exception of the ,hierophant and the ,neophyte1 are amazed at the words of the ,chief ,hierophant47 ,,the ,,hierophant 7to the ,chief ,hierophant73 ,this holy mystic rite which we perform ,hath not importance for ourselves alone4 ,fate's stream of cosmic evolution pours ,through word and deed of sacred priestly rites4 ,the curtain falls on the mental atmosphere set up by the preceding occurrences ,,scene #i ,a study in ,hilary's house4 ,a general atmosphere of seriousness pervades the room4 ,maria alone in meditation4 ,,maria3 ,a starry soul1 on yonder spirit-shore1 ,draws near1--draws near me clad in spirit-light1 ,draws near with mine own self1 and as it nears-- ,its radiance gains in power1--and gains in calm4 ,o star within my spirit-circle1 what ,doth thine approach shed on my gazing soul8 7,astrid appears to right47 ,,astrid3 ,perceive that which ,i now can bring to thee2 ,from cosmic strife 'twixt darkness and the light ,i stole thy power of thought2 ,i bring it now ,from out its cosmic midnight's wakening ,with service true back to thine earthly form4 ,,maria3 ,my ,astrid1 thou hast ever till today ,appeared to me as shining shadow-soul2 ,what turns thee now to this bright spirit-star8 ,,astrid3 ,i kept the lightning's and the thunder's power ,for thee1 that they might stay within thy soul1 ,and now thou canst behold them consciously-- ,when of the cosmic midnight thou dost think4 ,,maria3 ,the cosmic midnight6--ere for this earth-life ,my self enclosed me in my body's sheath2 ,when ,saturn's coloured light kept endless watch6 ,mine earthly thoughts concealed from me before ,this spirit scene in soul-obscurity2-- ,now in soul-clarity it doth emerge4 ,,astrid3 ,thyself in cosmic light didst speak these words3 ',of thee1 ,duration1 would ,i crave a boon3 ,pour out thyself into this blessedness ,and let my guide1 and let that other soul ,now dwell with me therein in peacefulness4' ,,maria3 ,dwell with me also4 ,o thou moment blest1 ,in which this spirit happening creates ,new powers of self4 ,equip my soul with strength ,that thou mayst not pass from me like a dream4 ,in light which on the cosmic midnight shines1 ,which ,astrid brings from soul-obscurity1 ,mine ego joins that self which fashioned me ,to serve its purpose in the cosmic life4 ,but how1 ,o moment1 can ,i hold thee fast1 ,so that ,i do not lose thee when once more ,my senses feel earth clearness once again8 ,their power is great2 and often1 if they slay ,the spirit-vision1 it stays dead e'en when ,the self in spirit finds itself again4 7,immediately after the last words1 as if summoned by them1 ,luna appears47 ,,luna3 ,preserve1 before the sense-life once again ,makes thee to dream1 the power of thine own will ,with which this moment hath presented thee4 ,think of the words that ,i myself did speak ,when at the cosmic midnight seen by thee4 ,,maria3 ,my ,luna1 from the cosmic midnight thou ,hast brought me hither mine own power of will ,to be my prop throughout my life on earth4 ,,luna3 ,the ,guardian's warning followed thus thy words3 ',then shalt thou see thyself in other guise1 ,e'en in a picture of an olden time1 ,and know how strength for lofty spirit-flight ,e'en from disaster may the soul's wings gain4 ,a soul may never wish itself to fall2 ,yet1 when it falls it must a lesson learn4' ,,maria3 ,whereto doth thy word's power now carry me8 ,a spirit-star on yonder shore of souls6 ,it gleams1 it draweth nigh--in spirit-form2 ,draws nigh with mine own self2 and1 as it nears1 ,the light grows denser and within the light ,forms darken1 taking on their being's shape6 ,a youthful mystic1 and a sacred flame1 ,the stern call of the highest hierophant ,to tell the vision seen within the flame6 ,the group of mystics overcome with fear ,at that young mystic's self-acknowledgment4 7,the ,guardian of the ,threshold appears while the latter sentences are being uttered47 ,,the ,,guardian3 ,hear once again within thy spirit-ear ,the stern call of the highest hierophant4 ,,maria3 ',o human soul1 read now what through the flame 7,benedictus appears47 ,the cosmic word declares within thyself4' ,who spoke the words my thought brings back to me1 ,recalling them from waters of the soul8 ,,benedictus3 ,with mine own words thou callest me to thee4 ,when in times past ,i uttered this command1 ,it did not find thee ready to respond4 ,and so it stayed in evolution's womb2 ,the course of time hath lent new force thereto ,which flowed therein from out thine own soul's life2 ,and so it wrought in later lives on earth ,in thy soul's depths although thou knewest it not4 ,it let thee find me as thy guide again2 ,by conscious thought it now transforms itself ,into a powerful motive in thy life4 ',this holy mystic rite1 which we perform1 ,hath not importance for ourselves alone2 ,fate's stream of cosmic evolution pours ,through word and deed of sacred priestly rites4' ,,maria3 ,thou didst not speak this word within that place4 ,the hierophant did speak1 who used to be ,thy colleague in that ancient mystic band4 ,he knew e'en then that powers of destiny ,foresaw the ending of this mystic band4 ,unconsciously the hierophant beheld ,the beauteous rising of the rosy dawn ,which to the spirit-stream of earth foretold ,a new sun over ,hellas should arise4 ,so he forbore to send the powerful thought ,which he should have directed to my soul4 ,the cosmic spirit's instrument was he ,at that initiation1 during which ,he heard the whispering stream of cosmic life4 ,he spoke a word from out his inmost soul ',one thing especially ,i deeply feel3 ,the solitude of this stern spirit-shrine4 ,why do ,i feel so lonely in this place8' ,,benedictus3 ,in his soul there was planted even then ,the germ of solitude1 which later on ,matured to soul-fruit in the womb of time4 ,this fruit ,capesius as mystic now ,must taste1 and so must follow ,felix' steps4 ,,maria3 ,that woman1 too1 who near the temple stayed1 ,i see her as she was in olden time1 ,but not yet can my vision penetrate ,to where she is2 how can ,i find her then ,when sense-life causeth me to dream again8 ,,the ,,guardian3 ,thou wilt discover her when thou dost see ,that being in the realm of souls whom she ,doth count a shade amongst the other shades4 ,she seeks to reach it with strong power of soul4 ,she will not free it from the world of shades ,till in her present body1 through thine aid1 ,she hath beheld her long past life on earth4 ,,maria3 ,like some soul-star my highest guardian glides1 ,in glowing light toward my shore of souls2-- ,his light spreads peace1 far round the wide flung space2-- ,his light hath grandeur2--and his dignity ,makes strong my being in its inmost depths2 ,in this peace will ,i now submerge myself2-- ,i feel before that through it ,i shall find ,my way to fullest spirit-wakefulness4 ,and ye1 too1 messengers into my soul-- ,i'll keep within myself as beacon-lights4 ,upon thee1 ,astrid1 will ,i call when thought ,would from soul-clearness fain withdraw itself4 ,and thee1 ,o ,luna1 may my prayer then find ,when will-power slumbers deep in my soul depths4 ,the curtain falls while ,maria1 ,astrid1 and ,luna are still in the room ,,scene #aj ,the same4 ,johannes alone in meditation4 ,,johannes3 ',this is the hour in which he dedicates ,himself to serve the ancient holy laws ,of sacred wisdom2--in a dream perchance ,i may in spirit linger at his side4' ,thus near the temple spake in ancient times ,the woman whom my spirit-vision sees2 ,by thoughts of her ,i feel my strength increased4 ,what is this picture's purpose8 ,why doth it ,hold my attention spellbound8 ,certainly ,no sympathy from out the picture's self ,accounts for this1 for1 should ,i see the scene ,in earthly life1 ,i should consider it ,of no importance4 ,what saith it to me8 7,as if from afar the voice of 'the other ,philia4'7 ,,the ,,other ,,philia3 ,the magical web ,that forms their own self4 ,,johannes3 ,and clairvoyant dreams ,make clear unto souls ,the magical web ,that forms their own self4 7,while ,johannes is speaking these lines 'the other ,philia' approaches him47 ,,johannes3 ,who art thou1 magic spirit-counsellor8 ,true counsel didst thou bring unto my soul ,but didst deceive me over thine own self4 ,,the ,,other ,,philia3 ,johannes1 thine own being's double form ,from thyself didst thou fashion4 ,as a shade ,must ,i roam round thee for so long a time ,as thou thyself shalt not set free the shade ,whom thine offence doth lend a magic life4 ,,johannes3 ,this is the third time that thou speakest thus2 ,i will obey thee4 ,point me out the way6 ,,the ,,other ,,philia3 ,johannes1 whilst thou liv'st in spirit-light1 ,seek what is treasured up within thy ,self4 ,from its own light it will shed light on thee4 ,thus canst thou learn by looking in thyself ,how to wipe out thy fault in later lives4 ,,johannes3 ,how shall ,i1 while ,i live in spirit-light1 ,seek what is treasured up within my ,self8 ,,the ,,other ,,philia3 ,give me that which thou thinkest that thou art2 ,lose thou thyself in me a little while1 ,yet so that thou dost not another seem4 ,,johannes3 ,how can ,i give myself to thee before ,i have beheld thee as thou really art8 ,,the ,,other ,,philia3 ,i am within thee1 member of thy soul2 ,the force of love within thee is myself2 ,the heart's hope1 as it stirs within thy breast1 ,the fruits of long-past lives upon this earth ,laid up for thee and hid within thyself1 ,behold them now through me2--feel what ,i am1 ,and through my power in thee behold thyself4 ,search out the pictured being1 which thy sight1 ,without thy sympathy1 did form for thee4 7,exit47 ,,johannes3 ,o spirit-counsellor1 ,i can indeed ,feel thee in me1 yet ,i see thee no more4 ,where livest thou for me8 7,as if from afar the call of 'the other ,philia4'7 ,,the ,,other ,,philia3 ,the magical web ,that forms their own self4 ,,johannes3 ',the magical web ,that forms their own self4' ,o magical web1 that forms mine own self1 ,show me the pictured being which my sight ,without my sympathy did form for me4 ,whereto doth this word's power conduct me now8 ,a spirit-star on yonder shore of souls-- ,it shines1--it draweth nigh--as spirit-form1 ,grows brighter as it nears2--now forms appear2-- ,they act as beings act who are alive2-- ,a youthful mystic--and a sacred flame1 ,the stern call of the highest hierophant ,to tell the vision seen within the flame4 ,that woman doth the youthful mystic seek1 ,whom my sight saw without my sympathy4 7,maria appears as a thought-form of ,johannes47 ,,maria3 ,who thought of thee before the sacred flame8 ,who felt thee near initiation's shrine8 ,johannes1 wouldst thou tear thy spirit-shade ,from out the magic kingdoms of the soul2 ,live then the aims that it will show to thee2 ,the path on which thou seek'st will guide thy steps1 ,but thou must first discover it aright4 ,the woman near the temple shows it thee ,if she lives powerfully within thy thought4 ,spellbound amongst shade-spirits doth she strive ,to draw nigh to that other shade who now ,through thee doth evil service to grim shades4 7,the ,spirit of ,johannes' ,youth appears47 ,,the ,,spirit ,,of ,,johannes' ,,youth3 ,i will be grateful to thee evermore ,if thou in love dost cultivate the powers ,laid up for me within the womb of time ,by that young mystic in that bygone age ,whom once thy soul sought at the temple gate4 ,but thou must first this spirit truly see ,at whose side ,i have now appeared to thee4 ,,maria3 ,maria1 as thou wouldst behold her1 lives ,in other worlds than those where truth abides4 ,my holy earnest vow doth ray out strength ,which shall keep for thee that which thou hast gained4 ,in these clear fields of light me shalt thou find ,where radiant beauty life-power doth create2 ,seek me in cosmic fundaments1 where souls ,fight to recover their divine estate ,through love1 which in the whole beholds the self4 7,while ,maria is speaking the last lines1 ,lucifer appears47 ,,lucifer3 ,so work1 compelling powers2 ,act therefore1 powers of might1 ,ye elemental sprites1 ,feel now your master's power1 ,and smooth for me the way ,that leads from realms of ,earth ,that so there may draw near ,to ,lucifer's domain ,whate'er my wish desires1 ,whate'er obeys my will4 7,enter ,benedictus47 ,,benedictus3 ,maria's holy earnest vow doth pour ,now through his soul salvation's healing ray4 ,he will admire thee1 but he will not fall4 ,,lucifer3 ,i mean to fight4 ,,benedictus3 ,and1 fighting serve the gods4 ,curtain ,,scene #aa ,the same4 ,enter ,benedictus and ,strader4 ,,strader3 ,thou didst speak gravely1 and ,maria spoke ,right harshly to me also1 when ye two ,showed yourselves to me at my life's abyss4 ,,benedictus3 ,thou know'st those pictures have no proper life2 ,their content only1 strives to make its way ,into the soul1 and takes pictorial form4 ,,strader3 ,yet it was hard to hear these pictures say3 ',where is thy light8 ,thou rayest darkness out1 ,midst light thou dost create the baffling gloom4' ,so spake the spirit through ,maria's form4 ,,benedictus3 ,because in thine ascent thou hadst attained ,to higher levels on the spirit-path4 ,the spirit1 which had led thee to itself1 ,used darkness as a symbol to depict ,the state of knowledge which was thine before4 ,this spirit chose to use ,maria's form ,because thy soul itself so fashioned it4 ,the spirit1 my dear ,strader1 at this hour ,works mightily within thee and will lead ,thee with swift flight to lofty grades of soul4 ,,strader3 ,and yet these words still terrify my soul3 ',because thou art afraid to ray out light4' ,the spirit spake this also in that scene4 ,,benedictus3 ,the spirit had to call thy soul afraid ,because in thee those things were fearfulness ,which would1 in lesser souls1 be bravery4 ,as we advance1 our former bravery ,turns into fear which must be overcome4 ,,strader3 ,oh6 how these words do pierce me to the heart6 ,romanus lately told me of his plan3 ,i was to carry out the work myself ,not as thy partner but without thine aid4 ,in this event1 he was prepared to use ,all that he had to succour ,hilary4 ,when ,i declared that ,i could ne'er consent ,to separate the work from out thy group1 ,he answered that in that case it would be ,in vain to make more effort4 ,he it is ,who backs the opposition to my work1 ,which ,hilary's companion offereth4 ,without these plans my life must worthless seem4 ,since these two men have torn away from me ,my field of action1 all that ,i can see ,ahead is life reft of the breath of life4 ,in order that my spirit may not show ,discouragement ,i need that bravery ,of which thou spak'st just now4 ,but whether ,i ,shall find my strength sufficient for the task ,is more than ,i can say1 for ,i can feel ,how that same force which ,i must needs set free ,will likewise work on me distinctively4 ,,benedictus3 ,maria and ,johannes have just made ,advances in clairvoyance2 and the things ,which hindered them from bridging o'er the gap ,between the mystic life and world of sense ,are no more there1 and in the course of time ,aims will appear in which both thou and they ,can take part jointly4 ',tis not guidance1 but ,creative strength that flows from mystic words3 ',for that which must will surely come to pass4' ,and so in wakefulness we must await ,the way in which the spirit sends the signs4 ,,strader3 ,a vision came to me not long ago ,which ,i must hold to be a sign from fate4 ,i was aboard a ship1 thou at the helm1 ,the labouring oars were under my command2 ,and we were bearing to their place of work ,maria and ,johannes2 there appeared ,another ship quite close to us2 on board ,romanus and the friend of ,hilary-- ,they lay across our course as enemies4 ,i battled with them2--as the fight went on ,lo6 ,ahriman stood by their side to help4 ,while ,i was bitterly engaged with him ,came ,theodora to my side1 in aid1 ,and then the vision vanished from my sight4 ,i dared to say once to ,capesius ,and ,felix that ,i could with ease endure ,the opposition which now menaceth ,my work from outward sources e'en if all ,my plans were ruined--,i should stand upright4 ,suppose that picture now should show to me ,that outward opposition doth imply ,an inward fight--a fight with ,ahriman2 ,am ,i well armoured also for this fight8 ,,benedictus3 ,my friend1 ,i can behold in thine own soul ,this picture is not fully ripe as yet4 ,i feel thou canst make stronger still the power ,which showed this picture to thy spirit's eye4 ,i can feel too that for thy friends and thee ,this picture can create new powers of soul ,if only thou wilt rightly strive for strength4 ,this can ,i feel2--how it shall be fulfilled ,remains a secret hidden from my sight4 ,curtain ,,scene #ab ,the interior of the earth4 ,enormous crystal formations1 with streams like lava breaking through them4 ,the whole scene is faintly luminous1 transparent in some parts1 and with the light shining through from behind in others4 ,above are red flames which appear to be being pressed downward from the roof4 7,one hand of ,ahriman is a claw and he has a cloven hoof4 ,this is to show the audience that his identity as the ,devil is being discovered4 ,fox has a cloven hoof47 ,,ahriman 7at first alone73 ,now living matter falleth from above ,which ,i must use4 ,it is the stuff whereof ,are demons made1 and it is flowing free ,within the world of form4 ,a man doth strive ,to tear from out his being utterly ,the spirit-substance he received from me4 ,my influence hath been till now quite good1 ,but now he is too near the mystic throng ,whom ,benedictus through his wisdom's light ,hath lent the power enabling them to face ,awakening at the cosmic midnight hour4 ,o'er him hath ,lucifer his influence cast3 ,so that ,maria and ,johannes could ,release themselves from out his sphere of light4 ,henceforth to ,strader ,i must closely cling4 ,once he is mine ,i'll catch the others too4 ,johannes wore himself quite dull and blunt ,against my shadow2--now he knows me well4 ,through ,strader only can ,i get at him4 ,and in ,maria's case it is the same2 ,yet ,strader will perhaps not recognize ,the spirit-tangle1 which to human eyes ,appears as nature1 is in fact naught else ,than mine own personal spirit-property4 ,and so he may conceive that energy ,and matter blindly struggle there where ,i1 ,denying spirit1 fashion spirit-things4 ',tis true the rest have talked to him a lot ,about my being and about my realm2 ,and yet1 methinks1 ,i have not lost him quite4 ,he will forget that ,benedictus sent ,him hither unto me1 but half-awake1 ,that his belief may be dispelled that ,i ,am but a woven thought in human brains4 ,yet ,i shall need some earthly help if ,i ,must bring him here before it is too late4 ,now therefore ,i will call upon a soul ,which in its cleverness considers me ,to be naught else than some dull foolish clown4 ,he serves me on and off1 when ,i have need4 7,ahriman goes off and returns with the soul of ,fox1 whose figure is a sort of copy of his own4 ,on entering he takes a bandage from the eyes of this person representing the soul47 ,,ahriman3 7,aside7 ,earth-knowledge he must leave here at the door4 ,for he must never understand the things ,which here he learns1 since he is honest still2 ,no effort would he make1 if he once knew ,the purpose with which ,i now influence him4 ,he must be able later to forget4 7,to ,fox7 ,dost thou know doctor ,strader1 who serves me8 ,,the ,,soul ,,of ,,fox3 ,he drifts about upon the star of ,earth2 ,he would build learned prattle into life2 ,and yet each wind of life will knock him down4 ,he listens eagerly to mystic prigs1 ,and is already stifled by their fog2 ,he now doth try to blind poor ,hilary1 ,whose friend1 however1 keeps him well in hand1 ,since all these braggart spirit-whisperings ,would otherwise his business quite destroy4 ,,ahriman3 7,aside7 ,such talk as this is not what ,i require4 ,i now have need of ,strader--whilst this man ,can still have perfect faith in his own self2 ,then ,benedictus far too easily ,will make his wisdom known amongst mankind4 ,the friend of ,hilary might be of use ,to ,lucifer2 ,i must act otherwise-- ,through ,strader ,i must ,benedictus harm4 ,for he and all his pupils can achieve ,nothing at all1 hath he not ,strader's aid4 ,mine enemies of course still have their powers1 ,and after ,strader's death he will be theirs4 ,but if while still on earth his soul can be ,deceived about itself1 my gain will be ,that ,benedictus can no longer use ,him as the leader of his coach's team4 ,now in fate's book ,i have already read ,that ,strader's span of life is nearly run4 ,but ,benedictus can not yet see this4 ,my trusty knave1 too crafty is thy wit1 ,who takest me for some dull foolish clown4 7,to ,fox7 ,so well thou reasonest that men attend4 ,go therefore and see ,strader very soon ,tell him that his machine is ill-contrived2 ,that 'tis not only unpropitious times ,that check fulfilment of his promises2 ,but that his reasoning also is at fault4 ,,the ,,soul ,,of ,,fox3 ,for such a mission am ,i well equipped4 ,for some time past ,i have done nothing else ,but think how ,i can unto ,strader prove ,how full of error his ambitions are4 ,when once a man hath formed a clever scheme ,by dint of many nights of earnest thought ,he will with ease believe that ill-success ,is due not to his thought but outward acts4 ,and ,strader's case is surely pitiable2 ,had such a man as he shunned mystic snobs1 ,and made fit use of his fine intellect1 ,his great endowments surely would have borne ,much fruit and profit for humanity4 ,,ahriman3 ,now see to it that thou art shrewdly armed4 ,this is thy task3 ,thou art to undermine ,the confidence of ,strader in himself4 ,no longer then will he desire to work ,with ,benedictus1 who must henceforth rest ,upon himself and his own arguments4 ,but these are not so pleasing to mankind1 ,who will be more opposed to them on earth ,the more their inmost nature is disclosed4 ,,the ,,soul ,,of ,,fox3 ,i see already how ,i shall begin ,to show to ,strader where his thought hath failed4 ,there is a flaw within his new machine1 ,though he cannot perceive it of himself4 ,a veil of mystic darkness hinders him4 ,but ,i1 with my clear common sense1 shall be ,of much more use to him than mystic dreams4 ,this for a long while hath been my desire2 ,yet knew ,i not how to accomplish it4 ,at length a light is thrown athwart my path4 ,now must ,i think of all the arguments ,which will make ,strader realize the truth4 7,ahriman leads out ,fox's soul and again blindfolds the individual portraying the soul before he is allowed to depart47 ,,ahriman 7alone73 ,he will be of great service unto me4 ,the mystic light on earth doth burn me sore2 ,i must work further there1 but must not let ,the mystics unto men my work reveal4 7,theodora's soul appears47 ,,theodora',s ,,soul3 ,thou mayest ,strader reach2 but none the less ,i shall be by his side2 and since we were ,united on the radiant path of souls1 ,we shall remain united wheresoe'er ,he dwells on earth or in the spirit-realms4 ,,ahriman3 ,if she indeed forsakes him not1 the while ,he still doth dwell on earth1 ,i stand to lose ,my battle2 yet ,i shall not cease to hope ,that he may yet forget her 'ere the end4 ,curtain ,,scene #ac ,a large reception room in ,hilary's house4 ,as the curtain rises ,hilary and ,romanus are in conversation4 ,,hilary3 ,i must with grief confess to thee1 dear friend1 ,that this fate's tangle1 which is forming here ,within our circle1 well-nigh crusheth me4 ,on what can one rely1 when nothing holds8 ,the friends of ,benedictus are by thee ,kept far from our endeavours2 ,strader1 too1 ,is torn by bitter agonies of doubt4 ,a man who1 full of shrewdness and of hate1 ,hath oft opposed the mystic life and aims1 ,hath pointed out grave errors in his plans ,and shewn that his invention cannot work1 ,and is not only stopped by outward checks4 ,life hath not brought me any ripened fruit2 ,i longed for perfect deeds4 ,and yet the thoughts ,that bring deeds unto ripeness never came4 ,my soul was ever plagued by loneliness4 ,by spirit-sight alone was ,i upborne4 ,and yet2--in ,strader's case ,i was deceived4 ,,romanus3 ,i often felt as though some gruesome shape ,was pressing painfully upon my soul ,whene'er thy words were in the course of life ,shown to be naught but errors and mistakes2 ,that as the spirit-sight seemed to deceive ,my mystic master did this shape become ,within me and did set a feeling free ,which now enables me to give thee light4 ,too blindly hast thou trusted spirit-sight2 ,and so as error it appears to thee ,when it doth surely lead thee to the truth4 ,in ,strader's case thy sight was true1 despite ,the things that super-clever men hath shown4 ,,hilary3 ,thy faith still doth not waver1 and thou hast ,the same opinion now of ,strader's work8 ,,romanus3 ,the reasons whereon ,i did build it up ,have naught to do with ,strader's friends at all ,and still are valid1 whether his machine ,prove itself true or faulty in design4 ,supposing he hath made an error2 well1 ,a man through error finds the way to truth4 ,,hilary3 ,the failure then doth not affect thee--thee ,to whom life hath brought nothing but success8 ,,romanus3 ,those who do not fear failure will succeed4 ,it only needs an understanding eye ,to see what bearing mysticism has ,upon our case1 and forthwith there appears ,the view that we should take of ,strader's work4 ,he will come off victorious in the fight ,which flings the spirit-portals open wide2 ,undaunted by the watchman will he stride ,across the threshold of the spirit-land4 ,my soul hath deeply realized the words ,which that stern ,guardian of the threshold spoke4 ,i feel him even now at ,strader's side4 ,whether he sees him1 or toward him goes ,unknowing1 this indeed ,i cannot say2 ,but ,i believe that ,i know ,strader well4 ,he will courageously make up his mind ,that self-enlightenment must come through pain2 ,the will will ever bear him company ,who bravely goes to meet what lies before1 ,and1 fortified by ,hope's strength-giving stream1 ,doth boldly face the pain which knowledge brings4 ,,hilary3 ,my friend1 ,i thank thee for these mystic words4 ,oft have ,i heard them2 now for the first time ,i feel the secret meaning they enfold4 ,the cosmic ways are hard to comprehend-- ,my portion1 my dear friend1 it is to wait ,until the spirit points me out the way ,which is appropriate unto my sight4 7,exeunt left47 7,enter ,capesius and ,felix ,balde1 shown in by the ,secretary1 on right47 ,,secretary3 ,i think that ,benedictus will return ,sometime today from off his journey2 but ,he is not here at present2 if thou com'st ,again tomorrow thou shouldst find him here4 ,,felix ,,balde3 ,can we then have a talk with ,hilary8 ,,secretary3 ,i'll go and ask him now to come to you4 7,exit47 ,,felix ,,balde3 ,a vision of deep import hast thou seen4 ,couldst thou not tell it to me o'er again8 ,one cannot apprehend such things aright ,till they are fully grasped by spirit-sight4 ,,capesius3 ,it came this morning1 when ,i thought myself ,wrapt in the stillness of the mystic trance4 ,my senses slept1 and with them memory4 ,to spirit things alone was ,i alive4 ,at first ,i saw naught but familiar sights4 ,then ,strader's soul came clearly into view ,before mine inner eye1 and for a while ,stood silent1 so that ,i had ample time ,to make sure ,i was consciously awake4 ,but soon ,i also heard him clearly say ',abandon not the real true mystic mood1' ,as if the sound came from his inmost soul4 ,he then continued1 with sharp emphasis3 ',to strive for naught2 but just to live in peace3 ,expectancy the soul's whole inner life1 ,such is the mystic mood4 ,and of itself ,it wakes1 unsought amid the stream of life1 ,whene'er a human soul is rightly strong ,and seeks the spirit with all-powerful thought4 ,this mood comes often in our stillest hours ,yet also in the heat of action2 then ,it cometh lest the soul may thoughtless lose ,the tender sight of spirit-happenings4' ,,felix ,,balde3 ,like to the very echo of my words ,this utt'rance sounds1--yet not quite what ,i meant4 ,,capesius3 ,on close consideration one might find ,the opposite of thine own words therein1-- ,and more distinctly doth this fact appear ,when we give heed to this his further speech ',whoever falsely wakes the mystic mood ,it leads his inmost soul but to himself ,and weaves betwixt himself and realms of light ,the dark veil of his own soul's enterprise4 ,if this thou wouldst through mysticism seek ,mystic illusion will destroy thy life4' ,,felix ,,balde3 ,this can be nothing else than words of mine ,by ,strader's spirit-views transformed2 in thee ,they echo as a grievous mystic fault4 ,,capesius3 ,moreover ,strader's final words were these3 ',a man can not attain the spirit-world ,by seeking to unlock the gates himself4 ,truth doth not sound within the soul of him ,who only seeks a mood for many years4' 7,philia appears1 perceptible only to ,capesius2 ,felix ,balde shows that he does not comprehend what follows47 ,,philia3 ,capesius1 if soon thou markest well ,what in thy seeking comes to thee unsought1 ',twill strengthen thee with many-coloured light2 ,in pictured being it will pierce thee through ,since thy soul-forces show it unto thee4 ,that which thy self's sun-nature rays on thee ,by ,saturn's ripened wisdom will be dulled2 ,then to thy vision will there be disclosed ,that which in earth-life thou canst comprehend4 ,then ,i will lead thee to the guardian ,who on the spirit-threshold keeps his watch4 ,,felix ,,balde3 ,from circles which ,i know not issue words4 ,their sound awakes no being full of light ,and so they are not fully real to me4 ,,capesius3 ,the hint which ,philia hath given me ,shall be my guide so that from this time forth ,in spirit too may be revealed what ,i ,already as a man upon the earth1 ,can find within the circuit of my life4 ,curtain ,,scene #ad ,the same4 ,hilary's wife in conversation with the ,manager4 ,,hilary',s ,,wife3 ,that fate itself doth not desire the deed ,which yet my husband thinks imperative1 ,seems likely when one views the tangled threads ,this power doth weave to form the knot in life1 ,which holds us here in its compelling bonds4 ,,manager3 ,a knot of fate indeed1 which truly seems ,unable to be loosed by human sense-- ,and so1 ,i take it1 it must needs be cut4 ,i see no other possibility ,than that the strand which links thy husband's life ,to mine must now at last be cut in twain4 ,,hilary',s ,,wife3 ,what6 ,part from thee6--,my husband never will4 ',twould go against the spirit of the house ,which by his own dear father was inspired ,and which the son will faithfully uphold4 ,,manager3 ,but hath he not already broken faith8 ,the aims that ,hilary hath now in view ,can surely not be found along the road ,his father's spirit ever walked upon4 ,,hilary',s ,,wife3 ,my husband's happiness in life now hangs ,on the successful issue of these aims4 ,i saw the transformation of his soul ,as soon as1 like a lightning flash1 the thought ,illumined him4 ,he had found hitherto ,nothing in life but sad soul-loneliness1 ,a feeling which he was at pains to hide ,e'en from the circle of his closest friends ,but which consumed him inwardly the more4 ,till then he deemed himself of no account ,because thoughts would not spring up in his soul ,which seemed to him to be of use in life4 ,but when this plan of mystic enterprise ,then stood before his soul1 he grew quite young1 ,he was another man1 a happy man2 ,this aim first gave to him a worth in life4 ,that thou couldst ere oppose him in this work ,was inconceivable till it occurred4 ,he felt the blow more keenly than aught else ,that in his life hath yet befallen him4 ,couldst thou but know the pain that thou hast caused1 ,thou wouldst not surely be so harsh with him4 ,,manager3 ,i feel as if my manhood would be lost ,if ,i should set myself to go against ,mine own convictions4--,i shall find it hard ,to do my work with ,strader at my side4 ,yet ,i decided ,i would bear this load ,to help ,romanus1 whom ,i understand ,since he concerning ,strader spake with me4 ,what he explained became the starting-point ,for me of mine own spirit-pupilship4 ,there was a power that flamed forth from his words ,and entered actively within my soul2 ,i never yet had felt it so before4 ,his counsel is most precious1 though as yet ,i cannot understand and follow it2 ,romanus only cares for ,strader now2 ,he thinks the other mystics by their share ,not only are a hindrance to the work ,but also are a danger to themselves4 ,for his opinion ,i have such regard ,that ,i must now believe the following3 ,if ,strader cannot find a way to work ,without his friends1 'twill be a sign of fate4 ,a sign that with these friends he must abide1 ,and only later fashion faculties1 ,through mystic striving for some outward work4 ,the fact that recently he hath become ,more closely knit to them than formerly1 ,despite a slight estrangement for a while1 ,makes me believe that he will find his way1 ,lies in this state of things1 though it involves ,a failure1 for the present1 of his aims4 ,,hilary',s ,,wife3 ,thou see'st the man with only that much sight ,with which ,romanus hath entrusted thee1 ,thou shouldst gaze on him with unbiased eye4 ,he can so steep himself in spirit-life ,that he appears quite sundered from the earth4 ,then spirit forms his whole environment ,and ,theodora liveth then for him4 ,in speaking with him it appears as if ,she too were present4 ,many mystics can ,express the spirit-message in such words ,as bring conviction after careful thought2 ,but ,strader's very speech hath this same power4 ,one sees that he sets little store upon ,mere inward spirit-life that is content ,with feelings only2 the explorer's zeal ,doth ever prove his guide in mystic life4 ,and so his mystic aims do not destroy ,his sense for scientific schemes which seem ,both practical and useful for this life4 ,try to perceive this faculty in him1 ,and through him also learn another thing1 ,how one's own personal judgment of one's friends ,is of more value than another man's ,such as ,romanus hath acquired of him4 ,,manager3 ,in such a case as this1 so far removed ,from all the vista of my usual thought1 ,the judgment of ,romanus seems to me ,some solid ground to stand on4 ,if1 myself1 ,i enter realms to mysticism near1 ,i surely need such guidance as indeed ,a man can only give me who can win ,my confidence by so much of himself ,as ,i myself can fully comprehend4 7,enter the ,secretary47 ,you seem upset1 my friend2 what hath occurred8 ,,secretary 7hesitatingly73 ,good doctor ,strader died a few hours since4 ,,manager3 ,died8--,strader8 ,,hilary',s ,,wife3 ,what4 ,not ,strader dead8--,where now ,is ,hilary8 ,,secretary3 ,he is in his own room4 ,he seemed quite stricken when the messenger ,first brought the news to him from ,strader's house4 7,exit ,hilary's wife1 followed by the ,secretary47 ,,manager 7alone73 ,dead--,strader6--,can this really be the truth8 ,the spirit-sleep of which ,i heard so much ,now toucheth me4--,the fate which here doth guide ,the threads of life wears now a serious face4 ,o little soul of mine1 what mighty hand ,hath now laid hold upon thy thread of fate1 ,and given it a part within this knot4 ',but that which must will surely come to pass6' ,why is it that these words have never left ,my mind since ,strader spake them long ago ,when talking with myself and ,hilary8-- ,as if they reached him from another world ,so did they sound2--he spake as if entranced2-- ,what is to come to pass8--,right well ,i know ,the spirit-world laid hands upon me then4 ,within those words there sounds the spirit-speech-- ,sounds earnest--2 how can ,i its weaving learn8 ,curtain ,,scene #ae ,the same4 ,doctor ,strader's nurse is sitting there waiting4 ,enter the ,secretary4 ,,secretary3 ,soon ,benedictus will1 ,i hope1 appear ,and hear himself the message thou dost bring3 ,he went a journey and hath just returned4 ,a great man surely doctor ,strader was4 ,at first ,i did not have much confidence ,in ,hilary's tremendous plan of work2 ,but1 as ,i frequently was in the room ,whilst ,strader was engaged in showing him ,what further needs his plan of work involved1 ,all my objections swiftly lost their force4 ,aye full of spirit1 with the keenest sense ,for all things possible and purposeful1 ,he yet was ever heedful that the end ,should issue reasonably from the work2 ,ne'er would he anything for granted take4 ,he held himself quite as a mystic should2 ,as people who are anxious to behold ,a lovely view from some tall mountain-crest ,keep plodding on till they have reached the top ,nor try to paint the picture in advance4 ,,nurse3 ,a man of lofty spirit and great gifts ,thou knewest hard at work in active life4 ,i1 in the short time it was given me ,to render earth's last services to him ,learned to admire his loftiness of soul4 ,a sweet soul1 that1 except for seven years ,of utmost bliss1 walked aye through life alone4 ,their wisdom mystics offered him1--but love ,was all his need2--his lust for outward deeds ,was naught but--love1 which sought for many forms ,of life in which to manifest itself4 ,that which this soul sought on the mystic path ,was needful to its being's noble fire1 ,as sleep is to the body after toil4 ,,secretary3 ,in him the mystic wisdom was the source ,of outward deeds as well2 for all his work ,was ever fully steeped in its ideals4 ,,nurse3 ,because in him love was a natural law1 ,and he had to unite himself in soul ,with all the aspirations of his life2 ,e'en his last thoughts were still about the work ,to which in love he did devote himself-- ,as people part from beings whom they love ,so ,strader's soul reluctantly did leave ,the work on earth through which his love had poured4 ,,secretary3 ,he lived in spirit with full consciousness3 ,and ,theodora was with him as aye ,she was in life--true mystic souls feel thus4 ,,nurse3 ,because his loneliness knit him to her1 ,she stood before him still in death4 ,by her ,he felt that he was called to spirit-worlds ,to finish there his incompleted task4 ,for ,benedictus just before his death ,he wrote a message which ,i now have come ,to give into the mystic leader's hands4 ,so must the life of this our time on earth ,unfold itself yet further1 full of doubt2-- ,but brightened by sun-beings such as he1 ,from whom a wider number may receive1 ,like planets1 light-rays which awaken life4 7,enter ,benedictus left4 ,exit ,secretary right47 ,,nurse3 ,before his strength departed1 ,strader wrote ,these few lines for thee4 ,i have come to bring ,his message to his faithful mystic friend4 ,,benedictus3 ,and as he set this message down for me ,what were the themes that his soul dwelt upon8 ,,nurse3 ,at first the latest of his plans in life ,lived in his thought2 then ,theodora came ,to join him in the spirit2 feeling this ,his soul did gently leave its body's sheath4 ,,benedictus3 ,my thanks to thee1 thou faithful soul1 for all ,thy services to him whilst yet on earth4 7,exit nurse4 ,benedictus reads ,strader's last words47 ,,benedictus3 7reading7 ',my friend1 when ,i perceived my strength was spent ,and saw that opposition to my work ,did not alone from outward sources rise1 ,but that the inner flaws of my own thought ,were obstacles to check my plan's success1 ,once more ,i saw that vision which ,i told ,not long ago to thee4 ,but yet this time ,the vision ended otherwise4 ,no more ,was ,ahriman my foe2 a spirit stood ,there1 in his stead1 whom ,i could clearly feel ,to represent my own erroneous thought4 ,and then did ,i remember thine own words ,about the strengthening mine own soul's powers4 ,but thereupon the spirit disappeared4'-- ,there are a few more words1--but ,i cannot ,decipher them--a chaos covers them ,by weaving in a veil of active thought4 7,ahriman appears2 ,benedictus sees him47 7,there is no longer any illusion about ,ahriman4 ,his form is much more inhuman2 his right arm is bone1 his right hand a claw1 and he has a cloven hoof47 ,,benedictus3 ,who art thou1 who dost take a shadowed life1 ,from out my chaos1 in the soul's domain8 ,,ahriman 7aside73 ,he sees me1 but as yet he knows me not4 ,and so he will not cause me fearful pain ,if ,i should try to labour by his side4 7,to ,benedictus47 ,i can declare to thee what ,strader means ,to tell thee further for thy personal good4 ,and also for thy pupil's mystic path4 ,,benedictus3 ,my mystic group will always know itself ,to be in touch with ,strader's soul1 although ,the life of sense no longer forms a bridge4 ,but when a spirit-messenger draws near ,and manifests to us from his own worlds1 ,then he must needs first win our confidence4 ,this he can only do if he appears ,without disguise unto our spirit-gaze4 ,,ahriman3 ,thou art but striving for self-consciousness3 ,so stranger spirit-beings1 who might wish ,to render thee a service1 are compelled ,to show themselves as parts of thine own self1 ,if they may only help thee undisguised4 ,,benedictus3 ,whoe'er thou art 'tis sure thou only canst ,serve ,good when thou dost strive not for thyself1 ,when thou dost lose thyself in human thought ,to rise newborn within the cosmic life4 ,,ahriman3 7aside7 ,now is it time for me to haste away ,from his environment1 for whensoe'er ,his sight can think me as ,i really am1 ,he will commence to fashion in his thought ,part of the power which slowly killeth me4 7,ahriman disappears47 ,,benedictus3 ,now only do ,i see 'tis ,ahriman1 ,who flees himself1 but fashions out of thought ,a knowledge of his being in myself4 ,his aim is to confuse the thought of man ,because therein1 misled by error old1 ,he seeks the source of all his sufferings4 ,as yet he knows not that the only way ,for him to find release in future is ,to find himself reflected in this thought4 ,and so he shows himself to men indeed1 ,but not as he doth feel he is in truth4 ,himself revealing1 and concealing too1 ,he sought to utilize in his own way ,a favourable hour in ,strader's case4 ,through him he hoped to strike his friends as well2 ,but he will not be able to conceal ,his nature from my mystic pupils now4 ,he shall be present in their waking thought ,if he holds sway within their inner sight4 ,so shall they learn to know his many forms1 ,which would disguise him whensoe'er he must ,reveal himself unto the souls of men4 ,but thou1 sun-ripened soul of ,strader1 thou ,who by the strengthening of thy spirit-powers ,didst drive the ,lord of ,error into flight ,thou shalt1 as spirit-star1 shine on thy friends4 ,thy light shall henceforth ever penetrate ,into ,maria's and ,johannes' selves2 ,through thee will they be able to equip ,themselves more strongly for their spirit-work1 ,that so they may with powerful thought reveal ,themselves as proof of soul-enlightenment1 ,e'en at such times as dusky ,ahriman1 ,by clouding wisdom1 seeks to spread the night ,of ,chaos o'er full-wakened spirit-sight4 ,curtain ,,notes #a ,note4--,very solemn and slow4