diff options
Diffstat (limited to '59191-0.txt')
| -rw-r--r-- | 59191-0.txt | 18480 |
1 files changed, 18480 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/59191-0.txt b/59191-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..2d0d9c4 --- /dev/null +++ b/59191-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,18480 @@ +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 59191 *** + + + + + + + + + + + + + FOUR MYSTERY PLAYS + + BY + + RUDOLF STEINER + + Translated and Edited with the Author's Permission + by H. Collison, M.A. Oxon., S. M. K. Gandell, M.A. + Oxon., and R. T. Gladstone, M.A. Cantab. + + + The Portal of Initiation + The Soul's Probation + The Guardian of the Threshold + The Soul's Awakening + + + G. P. Putnam's Sons + New York and London + The Knickerbocker Press + 1920 + + + + + + + + + +INTRODUCTION + + +The four plays here produced in an English translation in two volumes, +are perhaps best described as Christian Mystery Plays. They are +intended to represent the experiences of the soul during initiation; +or, in other words, the psychic development of man up to the moment +when he is able to pierce the veil and see into the beyond. 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 +Gnôthi seauton, know thyself. At a later stage he comes to 'realize' +himself, and finally learns the true significance of the Second Advent +of our Lord. 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 person. + +The four plays form one continuous series, and the characters portrayed +are of quite an ordinary kind except that they take more than the +usual interest in spiritual matters, their first desire being so +to improve their own mental and moral state as to make them able to +benefit their fellows. + +We find amongst them many types--the occult leader and the seeress who +explains the coming of Christ. We are shown the spiritual development +of an artist, a scientist, a philosopher, a historian, a mystic, and +a man of the world; and we hear too the scoffing cynicism of Germanus +and the materialistic views of Fox. We are led to realize how the +characters are connected on the physical as well as the spiritual +plane; and we learn also about the nature of elementals and the +twin forces of hindrance known as Lucifer and Ahriman; the former +of whom may be described as an embodiment of the spiritual impulse +to action, an impulse always necessary but often distorted to bring +about self-glorification rather than the ambition to do good; the +latter as an embodiment of an influence which seeks to materialize +everything, thus hindering true spiritual growth and freedom. 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 other. + +With regard to the writing and production of the plays, Doctor +Steiner's habit is to write a play whilst the rehearsals are +actually in progress, finishing it a few days before the first public +performance, and the first play was written and acted in this manner +in August, 1910, the second in August, 1911, the third in August, +1912, and the fourth in August, 1913. It was not until then that the +complete key to the development of the characters was attainable. The +last play explains the progress of the other three, and, following +out the hint given in the second play by the account of the previous +incarnation in the Middle Ages, traces the characters right back to +their earlier incarnation in ancient Egypt. + +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 teaching. The audiences numbered +some two thousand and were composed entirely of his followers. + +In 1913, owing to the difficulties and expense incurred each year +in securing an appropriate theatre, his supporters acquired a plot +of ground in Munich, and plans were designed for a theatre of their +own, but the Munich authorities after much prevarication and delay +finally prohibited its building, exhibiting in their treatment of +Rudolf Steiner the same illiberal spirit as they had shown at an +earlier date in the case of Richard Wagner. + +Because of this, and because of the hostility which his writings +and lectures had aroused in other parts of Germany, Doctor Steiner +was led to set up his theatre in Switzerland at the little village of +Dornach--not far from Bâle. 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 complete. + +In conclusion I should like to express my gratitude to my friends and +fellow students R. T. Gladstone, M.A., Cantab., and S. M. K. Gandell, +M.A., Oxon., for their most valuable help in the very difficult task +of translating the plays into English verse. Only a translator can +appreciate the difficulties involved in preserving both the sense +and rhythm of the original, 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 time. + +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 plays. It was a great privilege and pleasure for +which I can never feel sufficiently grateful. And last, but not least, +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 general. + + +H. Collison. + +New York, 1919. + + + + + + + + + +CONTENTS + + + PAGE + + The Portal of Initiation 1 + The Soul's Probation 141 + The Guardian of the Threshold 1 + The Soul's Awakening 135 + + + + + + + + + +THE PORTAL OF INITIATION + + +The general public has never been admitted to the performance of +these plays. The English editor has, however, ventured to give some +indication of the costumes and scenery, though this can only be +sufficient to give a general idea. The following is a summary of +the scenes: + + +A Prelude + +Scene 1: A debating room. Theodora's vision of the coming Christ. + +Scene 2: Johannes' meditation among the mountains: 'Know thou thyself.' + +Scene 3: Meditation chamber. Maria's separation. + +Scene 4: The Spirit of the Elements. The Soul-world. + +Scene 5: The subterranean rock temple. The consultation of the +hierophants. + +Scene 6: Continuation of Scene 4. Felicia: her First Fable. Germanus. + +Scene 7: The Spirit-world. Maria and her soul powers. Theodora's +vision of the past incarnation of Maria and Johannes. The scene ends +with Benedictus' great mystic utterance. + +An Interlude + +Scene 8: The portrait of Capesius by Johannes. Strader's bewilderment. + +Scene 9: Johannes' second meditation among the mountains three years +later than Scene 2. 'Feel thou thyself.' + +Scene 10: As in Scene 3. A trial for Johannes. + +Scene 11: The Temple of the Sun. Destiny and debtors. + + + + + + +BEINGS AND PERSONS REPRESENTED + + +In the Prelude and Interlude: + + Sophia. + Estella. + Two Children. + +In the Mystery: + + Johannes Thomasius. + Maria. + Benedictus. + Theodosius, whose prototype, as the Mystery proceeds, reveals + itself as that of the Spirit of Love. + Romanus, whose prototype, as the Mystery proceeds, reveals itself + as that of the Spirit of Action. + Germanus, whose prototype, as the Mystery proceeds, reveals itself + as that of the Earth-brain. + Helena, whose prototype, as the Mystery proceeds, reveals itself + as that of Lucifer. + Retardus, active only as a Spirit-influence. + Philia } Friends of Maria, whose prototypes, as the + Astrid } Mystery proceeds, reveal themselves as spirits + Luna } of Maria's soul-powers. + Professor Capesius. + Doctor Strader. + Felix Balde, who reveals himself as representative of the Spirit + of Nature. + Felicia Balde, his wife. + The Other Maria, whose prototype, as the Mystery proceeds, + reveals itself as the Soul of Love. + Theodora, a Seeress. + Ahriman and Lucifer, conceived as Soul-influences only. + The Spirit of the Elements, conceived as a Spirit-influence. + A Child, whose prototype, as the Mystery proceeds, reveals itself + as a young soul. + + +As is usual in English stage directions, right means right of the +stage, and not right of the audience as in the original German. So +too the left is left of the stage. + +The music at the representation of each play was by Mr. Adolf Arenson. + + + +Notes on the Costumes Worn: The costumes worn are those of every day, +except that the female characters, over their dress, wear bright +broad stoles of a colour to suit their character. + +Benedictus is usually in a black riding suit, top boots, and a +black mantle. + +Lucifer has golden hair, wears crimson robes, and stands upon the +right of Johannes. Lucifer appears as female. + +Ahriman, the conventional Satan, wears yellow robes and stands upon +the left of Johannes. + +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 red. He also wears a golden mitre +and carries a golden crosier. + +On such occasion Theodosius is similarly robed except that the stole, +mitre, and crosier are silver and the emblems blue. Similarly the +stole, mitre, and crosier of Romanus are bronze and the emblems +green. Retardus' costume is a mixture of the above three. + +Germanus wears long brownish robes and is made to appear like a giant +with heavy clogs, as if tied to earth. Scene 6. + +Philia, Astrid, and Luna in the seventh and eleventh scenes and in +the other plays have conventional angel-forms; Astrid is always in +the centre of this group; Luna is on her right; Philia on her left. + +Theodora wears white and has angel's wings in the seventh and eleventh +scenes. + +The Other Maria is dressed like a spirit (except in Scene 1) but one +associated with rocks and precious stones. + + + + + + + + + +THE PORTAL OF INITIATION + + +PRELUDE + + +Sophia's room. The colour scheme is a yellow red. Sophia, with her +two children, a boy and a girl; later, Estella. + +CHILDREN (singing, whilst Sophia accompanies them on the piano): + + The light of the sun is flooding + The breadths of space; + The song of the birds is filling + The heights of the air; + The blessing of plant-life unfoldeth + Elemental Beings of earth; + And human souls in reverent gratitude, + Rise up to the spirits of the world. + +SOPHIA: Now, children, go to your room and think over the words we +have just practised. + +(Sophia leads the children out.) + +(Enter Estella.) + +ESTELLA: How do you do, Sophy? I hope I'm not intruding? + +SOPHIA: Oh no, Estelle. I am very glad to see you. + +(Asks Estella to be seated and seats herself.) + +ESTELLA: Have you good news from your husband? + +SOPHIA: Very good. He writes to me saying that he is interested +in the Congress of Psychologists; though the manner in which they +treat many great questions there does not appeal to him. However, +as a student of souls, he is interested in just those methods of +spiritual shortsightedness which make it impossible for men to obtain +a clear view of essential mysteries. + +ESTELLA: Does he not intend speaking on an important subject, himself? + +SOPHIA: Yes, on a subject that seems important both to him and to +me. But the scientific views of those present at the Congress prevent +his expecting any results from his arguments. + +ESTELLA: I really came in, dear Sophy, to ask whether you would come +with me this evening to a new play called Outcasts from Body and from +Soul. I should so like to hear it with you. + +SOPHIA: I'm sorry, my dear Estelle, but tonight is the date set for +the performance of the play, which our society has been rehearsing +for a long time. + +ESTELLA: Oh yes, I had forgotten. But it would have been such a +pleasure to have spent this evening with my old friend. I had set my +heart on having you beside me, and gazing with you into the hidden +depths of our present-day life.... I only hope that this world of +ideas, in which you move, and which is so strange to me, will not +finally destroy that bond of sympathy, which has united our hearts +since we were at school together. + +SOPHIA: You have often said that before; 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 upwards. + +ESTELLA: True, I have said so. Yet it always arouses a sense of +bitterness in me, when, as the years roll on, I see how your affections +are estranged from those things in life that seem to me worth while. + +SOPHIA: Still, 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 inclinations. + +ESTELLA: Yes! My reason tells me that you are right. And yet there +is something in me that rebels against your view of life. + +SOPHIA: Why not candidly admit that what you require of me is the +renunciation of my inmost soul-life? + +ESTELLA: But for one thing, I should admit even that. And that is, that +you always claim that your view is the more profound. I can readily +understand that people whose conceptions differ radically may still +meet in sympathy of feeling. But the nature of your ideas actually +forces upon you an inner assumption of a certain superiority. Others +can compare views and realize that they do indeed diverge towards +different standpoints, but they nevertheless stand related by an +equality of values. You, however, seem unable to do this. You regard +all other views as proceeding from a lower degree of human development. + +SOPHIA: But you realize, I hope, from our previous discussions, that +those who think as I do, do not finally measure the character of man by +his opinions or by his knowledge. And while we consider our ideas such, +that without vital realization of them life has no valid foundations, +we nevertheless try most earnestly not to over-estimate the value of +the individual, who has been permitted to become an instrument for +the manifestation of this view of life. + +ESTELLA: All that sounds very well, but it does not remove my one +suspicion. I cannot close my eyes to the fact, 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 +superficiality. I rate our friendship too high to point out to you +those among your companions who, whilst they swear allegiance to your +ideas, yet display spiritual arrogance of the most unmitigated sort, +despite the fact that the barrenness and banality of their soul speaks +in their every word and in all their conduct. 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 men. 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 good. And +yet the fact that you leave me alone on this occasion, when true and +artistic life comes to be voiced, shows me that your ideas too with +reference to this life are to a certain extent superficial--if you +will forgive my saying so. + +SOPHIA: And wherein lies this superficiality? + +ESTELLA: You ought to know. You have known me long enough to understand +how I have wrenched myself away from that manner of life, which, +day in and day out, only struggles to follow tradition and convention. + +I have sought to understand why so many people suffer, as it seems, +undeservedly. I have tried to approach the heights and depths of +life. I have consulted the sciences, so far as I could, to learn what +they disclose. + +But let me hold fast to the one point which this moment presents to +us. I am aware of the nature of true art; I believe I understand how it +seizes upon the essentials of life and presents to our souls the true +and higher reality. I seem to feel the beating of the pulse of time, +when I permit such art to influence me, and I am horrified when I have +to think what it is which you, Sophy, prefer to this interest in living +art. You turn to what seem to me the obsolete, dogmatically allegorical +themes, to gaze on a show of puppets, instead of on living beings, +and to wonder at symbolical happenings which stand far away from all +that appeals to our pity and to our active sympathies in daily life. + +SOPHIA: My dear Estelle, 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 thoughts: and that there may be, +and are, people who are compelled to call your living reality mere +poverty--if it be not measured by the spiritual source from whence it +comes. Possibly my words sound harsh to you. But our friendship demands +absolute frankness. Spirit itself is as unknown to you as it is to +the multitude. In its place you know only the bearer of knowledge. It +is only the thought side of spirit of which you are aware. You have +no conception of the living, the creative spirit, which endows men +with elemental power, even as the germinal power of nature shapes +living entities. Like many another, for instance, you call things in +art which deny the spirit, as I conceive it, naïve and original. Our +conception of the world unites a full and conscious freedom with the +power of naïve creation. We absorb consciously that which is naïve, +and do not thereby rob it of its freshness, its fulness, and its +originality. You believe that the character of man shapes itself, +and that we can merely form thoughts and considerations about it. You +will not see that thought itself actually merges into creative spirit; +reaching the very fountain of Being; and developing thence into an +actual creative germ. + +Our ideas do not teach, any more than the seed-power within a plant +teaches it how to grow. It is the actual growth itself, and in like +manner do our ideas flow into our very being, kindling and dispensing +life. To the ideas that have come to me, I am indebted for all that +makes life worth while; not only for the courage, but also for the +insight and power that make me hopeful of so training my children, +that they shall not only be capable and useful in ordinary everyday +life, in the old traditional sense, but that they shall at the same +time carry inward peace and contentment within their souls. I have +no wish to stray from the point, but I will say just one thing. 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 experiences, which you have +so often termed dreams and fantasies. You may be astonished if +I confess it to you: but much that seems true art to you is to me +a mere fruitless critique of life. No hunger is stilled, no tears +are dried, no source of degeneracy is discovered, when merely the +outer show of hunger, or tear-stained faces, or degenerate beings is +shown upon the stage. And the customary method of that presentation +is unspeakably distant from the true depths of life, and the true +relationship between beings. + +ESTELLA: I understand your words indeed, but they merely show me +that you do prefer to indulge in fancies, rather than to look upon +the realities of life. Our ways, indeed, part.--I see that my friend +is denied me tonight. (Rises.) I must leave you now. But we remain +friends, as of old, do we not? + +SOPHIA: We must indeed remain friends. (While these last words are +spoken, Sophia conducts her friend to the door.) + +Curtain + + + + + + +SCENE 1 + + +Room. Dominant note rose-red. Large rose-red chairs are arranged +in a semicircle. To the left of the stage a door leads to the +auditorium. One after the other, the speakers introduced enter by +this door; each stopping in the room for a time. While they do so, +they discuss the discourse they have just heard in the auditorium, +and what it suggests to them. + +Enter first Maria and Johannes, then others. The speeches which follow +are continuations of discussions already begun in the auditorium. + +MARIA: + + My friend, I am indeed distressed to see + Thy spirit and thy soul in sadness droop, + And powerless to help the bond that binds + And that has bound us both for ten blest years. + E'en this same hour, filled with a portent deep + In which we both have heard and learned so much + That lightens all the darkest depths of soul, + Brought naught but shade and shadow unto thee. + Aye, after many of the speakers' words, + My listening heart could feel the very dart + That deeply wounded thine. Once did I gaze + Into thine eyes and saw but happiness + And joy in all the essence of the world. + In pictures beauty-steeped thy soul held fast + Each fleeting moment, bathed by sunshine's glow-- + Flooding with air and light the forms of men + Unsealing all the depths and doubts of Life. + Unskilled as yet thine hand to body forth + In concrete colour-schemes, those living forms + That hovered in thy soul; 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 Being; + 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 men. + Such were our dreams through all those days of yore + That to thy skill, mirrored in beauty's guise, + The weal of future men would trace its source. + So dreamed mine own soul of the goal of thine. + Yet now the vital spark of fashioning fire + That burned within thee seems extinct and dead. + Dead thy creative joy: and well-nigh maimed + The hand, which once with fresh and youthful strength + Guided thy steadfast brush from year to year. + +JOHANNES: + + Alas, 'tis true; I feel as if the fires + That erstwhile quickened in my soul are quenched. + Mine eye, grown dull, doth no more catch the gleam + Shed by the flickering sunlight o'er the earth. + No feeling stirs my heart, when changing moods + Of light and shade flow o'er the scenes around. + Still lies my hand, seeking no more to chain + Into a lasting present fleeting charms, + Shown forth by magic elemental powers + From utmost depths of Life before mine eyes. + No new creative fire thrills me with joy. + For me dull monotone obscures all life. + +MARIA: + + 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 heart. + Ah, friend, behind the changing scenes of life + That men call 'Being,' true life lies concealed + Spiritual, everlasting, infinite. + And in that life each soul doth weave its thread. + I feel afloat in spirit potencies, + That work, as in an ocean's unseen depths, + And see revealéd all the life of men, + As wavelets on the ocean's upturned face. + I am at one with all the sense of Life + For which men restless strive, and which to me + Is but their inner self that stands revealed. + I see, how oftentimes it binds itself + Unto the very kernel of man's soul, + And lifts him to the highest that his heart + Can ever crave. Yet as it lives in me + It turns to bitter fruitage, when mine own + Touches another's being. Even so + Hath this, my destiny, worked out in all + I willed to give thee, when thou cam'st in love. + Thy wish it was to travel at my side + Unhesitating all the way, that soon + Should lead thee to a full and perfect art. + Yet what hath happened? All, that in mine eyes + Stood forth revealed in its own naked Truth + As purest life, brought death, my friend, to thee + And slew thy spirit. + +JOHANNES: + + Aye. 'Tis so indeed. + What lifts thy soul to Heaven's sun-kissed heights + When through thy life it comes into mine own + Thrusts my soul down, to death's abysmal gloom. + When in our friendship's rosy-fingered dawn + To this revealment thou didst lead me on, + Which sheds its light into the darkened realms, + Where human souls do enter every night, + Bereft of conscious life, and where full oft + Man's being wanders erring: whilst the night + Of Death makes mock at Life's reality. + And when thou didst reveal to me the truth + Of life's return, then did I know full well + That I should grow to perfect spirit-man. + Surely, it seemed, the artist's clear keen eye, + And certain touch of a creator's hand, + Would blossom for me through thy spirit's fire + And noble might. Full deep I breathed this fire + Into my being; when--behold--it robbed + The ebb and flow of all my spirit's power. + Remorselessly it drove out from my heart + All faith in this our world. And now I reach + A point where I no longer clearly see, + Whether to doubt or whether to believe + The revelation of the spirit-worlds. + Nay more, I even lack the power to love + That which in thee the spirit's beauty shows. + +MARIA: + + Alas! The years that pass have taught me this: + That mine own way to live the spirit-life + Doth change into its opposite, whene'er + It penetrates another's character. + And I must also see how spirit-power + Grows rich in blessing when, by other paths, + It pours itself into the souls of men. + +(Enter Philia, Astrid, and Luna.) + + It floweth forth in speech, and in these words + Lies power to raise to realms celestial + Man's common mode of thinking; and create + A world of joy, where erstwhile brooded gloom. + Aye, it can change the spirit's shallowness + To depths of earnest feeling; and can cast + Man's character in sure and noble mould. + And I--yes, I am altogether filled + By just this spirit-power, and must behold + The pain and desolation that it brings + To other hearts, when from mine own it pours. + +PHILIA: + + It seemed as though the voices of some choir + +(Enter Prof. Capesius and Dr. Strader.) + + Mingled together, uttering manifold + Conceptions and opinions, each his own, + Of these who formed our recent gathering. + Full many harmonies there were indeed, + But also many a harsh-toned dissonance. + +MARIA: + + Ah, when the words and speech of many men + Present themselves in such wise to the soul, + It seems as though man's very prototype + Stood centred there in secret mystery: + Become through many souls articulate, + As in the rainbow's arch pure Light itself + Grows visible in many-coloured rays. + +CAPESIUS: + + Through changing scenes of many centuries + We wandered year on year in earnest search; + Striving to fathom deep the living force + That dwelt within the souls of those who sought + To probe and scan the fundaments of being, + And set before man's soul the goals of life. + We thought that in the depths of our own souls + We lived the higher powers of thought itself; + And thus could solve the riddles set by Fate. + We felt we had, or seemed at least to feel, + Sure basis in the logic of our mind + When new experiences crossed our path + Questioning there the judgment of our soul. + Yet now such basis wavers, when amazed + I hear today, as I have heard before, + The mode of thought taught by these people here. + And more and more uncertain do I grow, + When I perceive, how powerfully in life + This mode of thought doth work. Full many a day + Have I spent thus, thinking how I might shape + Time's riddles as they solved themselves to me + In words, that hearts might grasp and trembling feel. + Happy indeed was I, if I could fill + Only the smallest corner of some soul + Amongst my audience with the warmth of life. + And oftentimes it seemed success was mine, + Nor would I make complaint of fruitless days. + Yet all results of teaching thus could lead + Only to recognition of this truth + So loved and emphasized by men of deeds, + That in the clash of life's realities, + Thoughts are dim shadows, nothing more nor less: + They may indeed wing life's creative powers + To due fruition, but they cannot shape + And mould our life themselves. So have I judged + And with this modest comment was content: + Where pale thoughts only work, all life is lamed + And likewise all that joins itself to life. + More potent than the ripest form of words, + However art might weave therein her spell, + Seemed nature's gift, man's talents--and more strong + The hand of destiny to mould his life. + Tradition's mountainweight, and prejudice + With dull oppressive hand will always quench + The strength of e'en the very best of words. + But that which here reveals itself in speech + Gives men, who think as I do, food for thought. + Clearly we saw the kind of consequence + That comes when sects, in superheated speech, + Blind souls of men with dogma's seething stream. + But nought here of such spirit do we find; + Here only reason greets the soul, and yet + These words create the actual powers of life, + Speaking unto the spirit's inmost depths. + Nay even to the kingdom of the Will + This strange and mystic Something penetrates; + This Something, which to such as I, who still + Wander in ancient ways, seems but pale thought. + Impossible, it seems, to disavow + Its consequences; none the less, myself + I cannot quite surrender to it yet. + But it all speaks with such peculiar charm + And not as though it really meant for me + The contradiction of experience. + It almost seems as if this Something found + The kind of man I am, insufferable. + +STRADER: + + I would associate myself in fullest sense + With every one of thy last spoken words: + And still more sharply would I emphasize + That all results in our soul-life, which seem + To spring forth from the influence of ideas, + Cannot in any wise decide for us + What actual worth of knowledge they conceal. + Whether there lives within our mode of thought, + Error or truth--'tis certain this alone + The verdict of true science can decide. + And no one would with honesty deny + That words, which are, in seeming only, clear, + Yet claim to solve life's deepest mysteries, + Are quite unfit for such a scrutiny. + They fascinate the spirit of mankind, + And only tempt the heart's credulity; + Seeming to open door into that realm + Before which, humble and perplexed, now stands + The strict and cautious search of modern minds. + And he who truly follows such research + Is bound in honour to confess that none + Can know whence streams the well-spring of his thought, + Nor fathom where the depths of Being lie. + And though confession such as this is hard + For souls who all too willingly would gauge + What lies beyond the ken of mortal mind, + Yet every glance of every thinker's soul + Whether directed to the outer side, + Or turned towards the inner depths of life, + Scans but that boundary and naught beside. + If we deny our rational intellect + Or set aside experience, we sink + In depths unfathomable, bottomless. + And who can fail to see how utterly + What passeth here for revelation new, + Fails to fit in with modern modes of thought. + Indeed it needs but little thought to see, + How totally devoid this method is + Of that, which gives all thought its sure support + And guarantees a sense of certainty. + Such revelations may warm listening hearts, + But thinkers see in them mere mystic dreams. + +PHILIA: + + Aye, thus would always speak the science, won + By stern sobriety and intellect. + But that suffices not unto the soul, + That needs a steadfast faith in its own self. + She ever will give heed to words that speak + To her of spirit. All she dimly sensed + In former days, she striveth now to grasp. + To speak of the Unknown may well entice + The thinker, but no more the hearts of men. + +STRADER: + + I too can realize how much there lies + In that objection; how it seems to strike + The idle dreamer, who would only spin + The threads of thought, and seek the consequence + Of this or that premise, which he himself + Hath formed beforehand. Me--it touches not-- + No outer motive guided me to thought. + In childhood I grew up 'mid pious folk + And, following their custom, steeped my soul + In sense-intoxicating images + Of future sojourn in celestial realms, + Wherewith they seek to comfort and beguile + Man's ignorance and man's simplicity. + Within my boyish soul I sensed the throb + Of utmost ecstasy, when reverently + I raised my thoughts to highest spirit-worlds; + And prayer was then my heart's necessity. + Thereafter in a cloister was I trained; + Monks were my teachers, and in mine own heart + The deepest longing was to be a monk,-- + An echo of my parents' ardent wish. + For consecration did I stand prepared + When chance did drive me from the cloistered cell; + And to this chance I owe deep gratitude. + For, many days before chance saved my soul + It had been robbed of inward peace and quiet; + For I had read and learned of many things, + That have no place within the cloister-gate. + Knowledge of nature's working came to me + From books that were forbidden to mine eyes. + And thus I learned new scientific thought. + Hard was the struggle as I sought the path + Wandering through many a way to find mine own; + Nor did I ever gain by cunning thought + Whate'er of truth revealed itself to me. + 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 child. + I understand indeed the heart that fain + Would soar up to the heights--but for myself, + When once I recognized that all I learned + From spirit-teaching was an empty dream, + I was compelled to find the surer soil + That science and discovery create. + +LUNA: + + We may surmise, each after his own kind, + Where sense and goal of life doth lie for each. + I altogether lack the power to prove + According to the science of today, + What spirit-teaching I have here received: + But clear within my heart I feel and know + My soul would die without this spirit-lore, + As would my body, if deprived of blood. + And thou, dear doctor, 'gainst our cause dost fight + With many words, and what thou now hast told + Of thy life's conflict lends them weight indeed + Even with those who do not understand + Thy learned argument. Yet would I ask + +(Enter Theodora.) + + Exactly why it is that hearts of men + Receive the word of Spirit readily, + As though self-understood: yet when man seeks + Food for his spirit in such learned words + As thou didst use his heart grows chill and cold. + +THEODORA: + + Although I am at home 'mid just such men + As circle round me here, yet strangely sounds + This speech I have just heard. + +CAPESIUS: + + What strangeness there? + +THEODORA: + + I may not say. Do thou, Maria, tell. + +MARIA: + + Our friend has oftentimes explained to us + What strange experiences come to her. + One day she felt herself completely changed, + And none could understand her altered state. + Estrangement met her wheresoe'er she turned + Until she came into our circle here. + Not that we fully understand ourselves + What she possesses and what no one shares. + Yet we are trained by this our mode of thought + The unaccustomed to appreciate, + And feel with every mood of humankind. + One moment in her life, our friend perceived, + All that seemed hers aforetime, disappear; + The past was all extinguished in her soul. + And since these wondrous changes came to her, + This mood of soul hath oft renewed itself; + It doth not long endure; and other times + She lives her life as ordinary folk. + Yet whensoe'er she falls into this state, + The gift of memory doth fade away. + She loseth from her eyes the power to see + And senseth her surroundings, seeing not. + With a peculiar light her eyes then glow, + And pictured forms appear to her. At first + They seemed like dreams; anon they grew so clear, + That we could recognize without a doubt + Some prophecy of distant future days. + Full many a time have we seen this occur. + +CAPESIUS: + + It is just this that little pleaseth me + Amongst these men; who mingle with good sense + And logic, superstition's fallacies. + 'Twas ever thus where men have walked this path. + +MARIA: + + If thou canst still speak so, thou dost not yet + Perceive our attitude towards these things. + +STRADER: + + Well, as for me, I freely must confess, + That I would sooner revelations hear + Than speak of questionable spirit-themes. + For even if I fail to read aright + The riddle of such dreams, yet those at least + I count as facts; and would 'twere possible + To see one instance of the mystery + Of this strange spirit-mood before mine eyes. + +MARIA: + + Perchance it is--for look, she comes again. + And it doth seem to me as though e'en now + This mystic spirit-mood would show itself. + +THEODORA: + + I am compelled to speak. Before my soul + A pictured form stands wrapped in robes of light; + From which strange words are sounding in mine ears. + I feel myself in future centuries, + And men do I behold as yet unborn:-- + They also see the pictured form; they too + Can hear the words it speaks, which thus resound-- + 'O ye, who lived in faith's sincerity, + Take comfort now in sight, and look on Me. + Receive new life through Me. For I am He + Who lived within the souls of those who sought + To find Me in themselves, by following + The gospel-words My messengers did bring + And by their own devotion's inward power. + The light of sense ye saw--believe ye now + In the creative spirit-world beyond. + For now indeed ye have yourselves achieved + One atom of divine prophetic sight. + Oh, breathe it deep, and feel it in your souls.' + A human form steps from that sphere of light. + And speaks to me: 'Thou shalt make known to all + Who will give ear to thee, that thou hast seen + What all mankind shall soon experience: + Once, long ago, Christ lived upon the earth, + And from this life ensued the consequence + That in soul-substance clad He hovers o'er + The evolution of humanity, + In union with the earth's own spirit-sphere; + And though as yet invisible to men, + When in such form He manifests Himself, + Since now their being lacks that spirit sight, + Which first will show itself in future times; + Yet even now this future draweth nigh + When that new sight shall come to men on earth. + What once the senses saw, when Christ did live + Upon the earth; this shall be seen by souls + When soon the time shall reach its fulness due.' + +(Exit.) + +MARIA: + + This is the first time we have heard her speak + In such a manner to so many folk. + At other times she felt constrained to speech, + Only when two or three were gathered round. + +CAPESIUS: + + To me indeed it seems most curious, + That she, as though commanded or required, + Should find herself to revelation urged. + +MARIA: + + It may so seem; but we know well her ways. + If at this moment she desired to send + Her inward soul-voice deep into your souls, + The only reason was, that unto you + The source, whence came her voice, desired to speak. + +CAPESIUS: + + Concerning this strange future gift of sight, + Whereof she spake, as dreaming, we have heard + That he, who of this circle is the soul, + Hath oft already given full report. + Is it not possible that from his words + The content of her speech hath origin, + The mode of utterance coming from herself? + +MARIA: + + If matters thus did stand, we should not deem + Her words of any consequence or weight: + But we have tested this condition well. + Before she came into our circle here, + Our friend had never heard in any way + Of that same leader's speeches, nor had we + Heard aught of her before she came to us. + +CAPESIUS: + + Then what we have to deal with is a state, + Such as so often happens, contrary + To all the laws of nature; and which we + Must merely estimate as some disease. + And only healthy thought, securely based + On fully conscious sense-impressions, can + Pass judgment on the riddles set by life. + +STRADER: + + Yet even here one fact presents itself; + And what we now have heard must have some worth-- + For, even if we set aside all else + It doth compel the thought that spirit-power + Can cause thought-transference from soul to soul. + +ASTRID: + + Ah me, if ye would only dare to tread + The ground your mode of thought doth choose to shun: + As snow before the sunlight's piercing glare + Your vain delusion needs must melt away, + Which makes the moods revealéd, in such minds + Appear diseased, abnormal, wonderful. + They are suggestive, but they are not strange. + And small this wonder doth appear to me + When I compare it with the myriad + Of wonders that make up my daily life. + +CAPESIUS: + + Nay, nay, one thing it is to recognize + What lies before our eyes on every side, + But quite another, what is shown us here. + +STRADER: + + 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 thought. + +ASTRID: + + The clear shaft of the sunlight on the dew + Which glistens in the morning's golden light, + +(Enter Felix Balde.) + + The hurling stream that riseth 'neath the rock, + The thunder rumbling in the cloud-wrapped sky, + All these do speak to me a spirit tongue: + I strove to understand it; and I know + That of this speech's meaning and its might, + Only a faint reflection can be glimpsed + Through your investigations, as they are. + And when that kind of speech sank deep within + My heart, I found my soul's true joy at last. + Nor could aught else, but human words alone + And spirit teaching grant this gift to me. + +FELIX BALDE: + + Those words rang true indeed. + +MARIA: + + I must essay + To tell what joy fills all my heart to see + +(Enter Felicia Balde.) + + For the first time here with us yonder man, + Of whom we oft have heard; and joy doth cause + The wish to see him here full many times. + +FELIX BALDE: + + It is not usual for me that I should + Associate with such a crowd of men: + And not alone unusual---- + +FELICIA: + + Aye, 'tis so. + His nature drives us into solitude + Away from all; year in, year out, we hear + Scarce any other converse save our own. + And if this good man here from time to time + +(Pointing to Capesius.) + + Came not to linger in our cottage home, + We scarce should realize that other men, + Besides ourselves, live on the earth at all. + And if the man, who spake such wondrous words + But recently in yonder lecture-hall, + And who affected us so potently, + Did not full many a time my Felix meet, + When he is gone about his daily tasks, + Ye would know nought of our forgotten life. + +MARIA: + + So the professor often visits you? + +CAPESIUS: + + Assuredly. And I may tell you all, + The very deep indebtedness I feel + To this good woman, who doth give to me + In rich abundance, what none other can. + +MARIA: + + And of what nature are these gifts of hers? + +CAPESIUS: + + If I would tell the tale, then must I touch + A thing that verily doth seem to me + More wonderful than much that here I've heard, + In that it speaks more nearly to my soul. + And were I in some other place, these words + Would hardly pass the barrier of my lips; + Yet here they seem to flow therefrom with ease. + In my soul-life there often comes a time + When it doth feel itself pumped out and dry. + It seems as though the very fountain-head + Of knowledge had run dry within my heart. + Then can I find no word of any kind + Worthy to speak or worthy to be heard. + And when I feel such spirit barrenness + I flee to these good people, and seek rest + In their reviving, peaceful solitude + Then Mistress Felix tells me many a tale + Set forth in wondrous pictures, manifold, + Of beings, dwelling in the land of dreams, + Who lead a joyous life in fairy realms. + When thus she speaks, her tone and speech recall + Some legend oft-told of the ancient days. + I ask no question whence she finds these words + But this one thing alone I clearly know: + That new life flows therefrom into my soul, + And sweeps away its dull paralysis. + +MARIA: + + To hear such splendid witness to the skill + Of Dame Felicia doth, in wondrous wise, + Harmoniously blend in every way + With all that Benedictus told to us + About his friend's deep hidden knowledge-founts. + +FELIX BALDE: + + He who spake words to us just now, which showed + +(Benedictus appears at the door.) + + How in the realm of universal space, + And vast eternities his spirit dwelt, + Hath surely little need to speak o'er much + Of simple men. + +BENEDICTUS: + + Thou errest friend. For me + Infinite value hath each word of thine. + +FELIX BALDE: + + It was presumption only, and the bent + Of idle talk, when thou didst honour me + To wander at thy side our mountain paths. + Only because thou didst conceal from me + How much thyself dost know, I dared to speak. + But now our time is up, and we must go-- + A long way hence doth lie our quiet home. + +FELICIA: + + It hath been most refreshing once again + To come amongst mankind: and yet I fear + It will not happen very soon again: + There is no other life which Felix deems + Better than living in his mountain heights. + +(Exeunt Felix and his wife.) + +BENEDICTUS: + + Indeed I well believe his wife is right, + Nor will he come again for many days. + It needed much to bring him here today. + And yet the reason lies not in himself + Why no one knoweth aught of him or his. + +CAPESIUS: + + He only seemed to me eccentric, strange; + And many an hour I found him talkative + When I was with him; but his mystic speech + And strange discourse remained obscure to me, + When he revealed all that he claims to know. + He spoke of solar beings housed in rocks; + Of lunar demons, who disturb their work; + And of the sense of number hid in plants; + And he who listens to him cannot long + Keep clear the thread of meaning in his words. + +BENEDICTUS: + + And yet 'tis also possible to feel + As if the powers of Nature, through these words, + Sought to reveal themselves in their true state. + +(Exit.) + +STRADER: + + Already do I feel forebodings strange + That now dark hours are coming in my life. + For since the days of cloistered solitude, + Where I was taught such knowledge, and thereby + Struck to the very darkest depth of soul, + Not one experience has stirred me so, + As this weird vision of the seeress here. + +CAPESIUS: + + Indeed I cannot see that aught of that + Should prove unnerving. And I fear, my friend, + That if thou once dost lose thy certainty, + Dark doubt will soon envelop all thy thought. + +STRADER: + + Too true! 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 seership, save that when + Life's vexing problems sorely trouble me, + Then, ghostlike, riseth from dark spirit-depths, + Before my spirit's eyes, some phantom form + Like some dream-being, grim and terrible, + Pressing with fearful weight upon my soul, + And clutching horribly around my heart. + It seems to speak right through me words like these: + 'If thou dost fail to gain the victory + O'er me with those blunt weapons of thy thought, + Thou art a fleeting phantom, nothing more, + Formed by thine own deluded imagery.' + +THEODOSIUS: + + That is the destiny of all such men, + As do approach the world by thought alone. + The spirit's voice dwells deep in every soul. + Nor have we strength to pierce the covering + That spreads itself before our faculties. + Thought doth bring knowledge of things temporal, + Of things that vanish in the course of time: + The everlasting and all spirit-truth + Are found but in the inner depths of man. + +STRADER: + + If, then, the fruitage of a pious faith + Is able to give rest to weary souls, + Such souls may wander safely in that path, + And find sufficiency within themselves. + And yet the power of knowledge, pure and true, + Doth never bloom on such a path as this. + +THEODOSIUS: + + Yet there can be no other way to light + True spirit-knowledge in the hearts of men. + Pride may seduce and change to fantasies + The soul's true depths of feeling, and may see + A vision only where faith's beauty lies. + One thing alone of all we here have heard + From spirit-teaching of the higher worlds, + Strikes clear upon our honest human sense: + That only in the spirit-world itself + The soul can feel itself in its true home. + +THE OTHER MARIA: + + So long as man feels need of speech alone, + And nought besides, so long such words as these + May satisfy him: but the fuller life + With all its strife, its yearnings after joy, + And all its sorrow, needeth other food + To nourish and sustain the fainting soul. + For me, an inner voice did drive me on + To spend all the remaining days of life + Which were allotted me, in helping those + Whom stress of destiny had smitten down + And plunged in deepest poverty and need. + And far more oft I found it necessary + To soothe the anguish of the soul of man + Than heal his body's pain and suffering. + But I have felt indeed in many ways + My will's weak impotence to comfort men. + So that I am compelled to seek fresh strength + From out the treasured store which floweth forth + Abundantly from spirit-sources here. + The quickening warmth of words which greet mine ear, + Flows forth with magic force into my hands; + And thence, like healing balsam, forth again, + When those hands touch some sorrow-laden soul. + It changeth on my lips to strengthening words + Which carry comfort unto pain-racked hearts. + The source of words like these I do not ask; + I feel their truth--they give me living life. + And every day more clearly do I see, + That they derive their strength not from my will + In all its weakness, but create anew + Myself each day unto myself again. + +CAPESIUS: + + Yet surely there are men enough on earth + Who, though they lack such revelation's aid, + Perform innumerable deeds of good? + +MARIA: + + In sooth there is no lack of men like these + In many places; but my friend doth mean + A different thing; and if thou didst but know + The life she led, thou wouldst speak otherwise. + Where unused powers in full abundance dwell + There love will cause the seed to germinate + In rich abundance in the heart's good soil. + But our friend here exhausted life's best powers + In never-ending toil beyond her strength; + And all her will to live lay crushed and dead + Beneath the cruel weight of destiny, + Which fell upon her. All her strength she gave + To careful guidance of her children's weal: + And low already had her courage ebbed + When early death took her loved husband home. + In such a state as this, days dull and drear + Seemed all fate had in store whilst life remained. + But then the powers of destiny prevailed + To bring her 'neath the spell of spirit-lore; + And soon with us she felt the vital force + Of life break forth in her a second time. + Fresh aims in life she found, and with them came + Fresh courage once again to fight and strive. + And thus in her the spirit hath achieved + In very truth to fashion from decay + A new and living personality. + And when the spirit in such fruit as this + Shows its creative potency, we learn + Its nature, and the way it speaks to us. + And, if no pride lies hidden in our speech, + And highest moral aims live in our hearts; + If we believe that in no way at all + Our teaching is our own;--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 life: + And that the spirit, 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 life. + I have been privileged for many years + To give myself to vital work in life: + And during all this time more bleeding hearts + And yearning souls have come before mine eyes, + Than many would conceive were possible. + I do esteem thy high ideal flight, + The proud assurance of thy sciences: + I like to see the student-audience, + Respectful, sit and listen at thy feet: + And that to many souls thy work doth bring + Ennobling clarity of thought, I know. + But yet regarding thought like this, it seems, + Trustworthiness can only dwell therein + So long as thought lives in itself alone. + Whereas the realm of which I am a part + Sends into deep realities of life + The fruitage of its words, since it desires + To plant in deep realities its roots. + Far, 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 humankind. + And though indeed such thought seems clear and sure + As follows faithfully the ancient path, + Yet can it only touch the tree's coarse bark, + And never reach the marrow's living power. + +ROMANUS: + + For my part I do seek in vain the bridge + That truly leadeth from ideas to deeds. + +CAPESIUS: + + On one side thou dost over-estimate + The power which can be wielded by ideas, + And on the other thou dost fail to grasp + The actual course of true reality: + For it is certain that ideas must form + The germ of all the actual deeds of men. + +ROMANUS: + + If this friend doth so many deeds of good, + The impulse thereunto lies in herself + And her warm-hearted nature, not in thought. + Most certainly 'tis necessary for man, + Whene'er he hath accomplished any work, + To find foundation for it in ideas. + 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 race. + When whirr of busy wheels sounds in mine ears, + Or when I see some creaking windlass drawn + By strong stout hands of men content to work, + Then do I sense indeed the powers of Life. + +GERMANUS: + + Often in careless speech have I maintained + That I preferred things droll and humorous + And held these only full of wit and charm, + Deeming that for my brain at any rate, + They always would provide material + Best fitted to fill up the time that lies + Between my recreation and my work. + But now quite tasteless to me seem such things; + The Power Invisible hath conquered me; + And I have learned to feel that there may be + More powerful forces in humanity, + Than all our wit's frail castles in the air. + +CAPESIUS: + + And did it seem that nowhere else but here + 'Twas possible to find such spirit-powers? + +GERMANUS: + + Indeed the life I lived did offer me + Full many a type of intellectual works: + Yet cared I not to pluck or taste their fruit. + But this strange mode of thought which blossoms here + Seemed to attract and draw me to itself + However little I desired to come. + +CAPESIUS: + + Most pleasant hath this hour of converse been, + And we are debtors to our hostess here. + +(Exeunt all, except Maria and Johannes.) + +JOHANNES: + + Oh, stay a little while yet by my side, + I am afraid:--so desperately afraid:-- + +MARIA: + + What is it aileth thee, my friend? Speak forth. + +JOHANNES: + + The first cause was our leader's speech; and then + The chequered converse of these people here. + It all hath moved and stirred me through and through. + +MARIA: + + But how could simple speeches such as these + Seize on thine heart with such intensity? + +JOHANNES: + + Each word seemed in that moment unto me + A dreadful symbol of our nothingness. + +MARIA: + + Indeed it was significant to see + Pour forth in such short time so many kinds + Of life and man's conflicting tendencies, + In all the speeches that we lately heard. + Yet 'tis indeed a most peculiar trait + Of life, as it is lived amongst us here, + To bring to speech the inner mind of man; + And much that otherwise comes slowly forth, + Stands here revealed in little space of time. + +JOHANNES: + + A mirrored picture 'twas of fullest life + That showed me to myself in clearest lines: + This spirit-revelation makes me feel + That most of us protect and train one trait + And one alone in all our character, + Which thus persuades itself it is the whole. + I sought to unify these many traits + In mine own self and boldly trod the path + Which here is shown, to lead unto that goal; + And it hath made of me a nothingness. + Keenly I feel what all these others lack, + And yet I sense as keenly that they all + Have actual part in life itself, whilst I + Stand but on unsubstantial nothingness. + It seemed whole lines of life ran into one + Significant in those brief speeches here. + But then mine own life's portrait also rose + And stood forth vividly within my soul. + The days of childhood first were painted there, + With all its fulness and its joy in life: + Then came the picture of my youthful prime + With that proud hopefulness in parent-hearts + Awakened by the talents of their son. + Then dreams concerning my career in art, + Which formed life's all in those old happy days, + Surged up from out my spirit's inmost depths + Exhorting to fulfil my cherished hopes; + And then those dreams in which thyself didst see + How I translated into coloured form + The spirit-life that liveth in thy soul. + + Then saw I tongues of fire spring up and lick + Around my youthful dreams and artist hopes, + Reducing all to dust and nothingness. + Thereafter rose another pictured form + From out that drear and dreadful nothingness-- + A human form, which once had linked its fate + In faithful love with mine in days long past. + She sought to hold me by her when I turned + Long years ago unto my home again, + Called to attend my mother's funeral rites. + I heeded not, but tore myself away. + 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 gaze. + In those dark days I felt no sense of guilt + When I did rend in twain the bond of love, + That was unto another soul its life. + Nor later when the message came to me + How that her life did slowly pine away, + And finally was altogether quenched + Did I feel aught of guilt until today; + But full of meaning were those recent words + In yonder chamber which our leader spake; + How that we may destroy by power misused + And perverse thought the destiny of those + Whom bonds of loving trust link to our souls. + Ah, hideously these words again resound + Out of the picture, thence re-echoing + With ghastly repetition from all sides: + 'Her murderer thou art! her hast thou slain!' + Thus whilst this weighty speech hath been for all + The motive to probe deep within themselves, + Within my heart it hath brought forth alone + The consciousness of this most grievous guilt. + By this new means of sight I can perceive + How far astray my striving footsteps erred. + +MARIA: + + And at this moment, friend, in dark domains + Thou walkest, and none else can help thee there, + Save he, in whom we all do put our trust. + +(Maria is called away; re-enter Helena.) + +HELENA: + + I feel constrained to linger by thy side + A little while; since now for many weeks + Thy gaze hath held so much of grief and care. + How can the light, which streams so radiantly + Bring gloom unto thy soul, which only strives + With utmost strength to seek and know the truth? + +JOHANNES: + + Hath then this light brought naught but joy to thee? + +HELENA: + + Not the same joy as that which once I knew, + But that new joy which springeth from those words, + Through which the spirit doth reveal itself. + +JOHANNES: + + Natheless I tell thee that the self-same power, + Which doth in thee create, can also crush. + +HELENA: + + Some error must have crept into thy soul + With cunning tread, if this be possible; + And if dull care instead of happiness, + And moods of sorrow flow forth from the source + Of truth itself instead of spirit-bliss + In free abundance: seek then in thyself + The stumbling-blocks that thus impede thy way. + How often are we told that only health + Is the true fruitage of our teaching here, + Which makes to blossom forth the powers of life. + Shall it then show the contrary in thee? + I see its fruitage in so many lives, + Which, trusting me, find union in themselves. + Their former mode of life grows day by day + Strange and still stranger to such souls as these; + As well-springs are fresh opened in their hearts, + Thenceforth renewing life within themselves. + To gaze into the primal depths of being + Doth not create those passionate desires + Which torture and torment the souls of men. + +(Exit.) + +JOHANNES.JOHANNES: + + 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 companionship: + 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 self. + +Curtain + + + + + + +SCENE 2 + + +In the open. Rocks and springs. The entire scene is to be thought of +as taking place in the soul of Johannes Thomasius. What follows is +the content of his meditation. + +(There sounds from the springs and rocks:) + + Know thou thyself, O man. + +JOHANNES: + + 'Tis thus I hear them, now these many years, + These words of weighty import all around, + (hear them in the wind and in the wave: + Out from earth's depths do they resound to me: + And as a tiny acorn's mystery, + Confines the structure of a mighty oak, + So in the kernel of these words there lies, + All elemental nature; all I grasp + Of soul, of spirit, time, eternity. + It seems mine own peculiarities + And all the world besides live in these words: + 'Know thou thyself, O man. Know thou thyself.' + +(From the springs and rocks resounds:) + + Know thou thyself, O man. + +JOHANNES: + + And now--I feel + Mine inmost being terrified to life: + Without the gloom of night doth weave me round, + And deep within my soul thick darkness yawns: + And sounding from this universal gloom + And up from out the darkness of my soul + These words ring forth: 'Know thou thyself, O man.' + +(From the springs and rocks resounds:) + + Know thou thyself, O man. + +JOHANNES: + + It robs me of my very self: I change + Each hour of day, and am transformed by night. + The earth I follow on its cosmic course: + I seem to rumble in the thunder's peal, + And flash adown the lightning's fierce-forked tongue-- + I AM.--Alas, already do I feel + Mine own existence snatched away from me. + I see what was my former carnal shape, + As some strange being, quite outside myself, + And infinitely far away from me. + But now another body hovers near, + And through its mouth I am compelled to speak:-- + 'Ah, bitter sorrow hath he brought to me; + So utterly I trusted him of old. + He left me lonely with my sorrow's pain, + He robbed me of the very warmth of life, + And thrust me deep beneath the chill, cold ground.' + Poor soul, 'tis she I left, and leaving her + It was in truth mine own self that I left; + And I must suffer all her pain and woe. + For knowledge hath endowed me with the power + Myself into another's self to fuse. + Ah me! Ye quench again by your own power + The light of inner knowledge ye have brought, + Ye cruel words, 'Know thou thyself, O man.' + +(From the springs and rocks resounds:) + + Know thou thyself, O man. + +JOHANNES: + + Ye lead me back again within the sphere + Of mine own being's former fantasies. + Yet in what shape know I myself again! + My human form is lost and gone from me; + Like some fierce dragon do I see myself; + Begotten out of primal lust and greed. + And clearly do I see how up till now + Some dim deluding veil of phantom forms + Hath hid from me mine own monstrosity. + Mine own self's fierceness must devour my Self. + And through my veins run like consuming fire + Those words, that once with elemental force + Revealed the core of suns and earths to me. + They throb within my pulse, beat in mine heart; + And even in mine inmost thoughts I feel + Strange worlds e'en now blaze forth like passions fierce. + They are the fruitage of these very words: + 'Know thou thyself, O man. Know thou thyself,' + +(From the springs and rocks resounds:) + + Know thou thyself, O man. + +JOHANNES: + + There,--from that dark abyss, what creature glares? + I feel the chains that hold me chained to thee. + So fast was not Prometheus rivetted + Upon the naked rocks of Caucasus, + As I am rivetted and forged to thee-- + Who art thou, fearful, execrable shape? + +(From the springs and rocks resounds:) + + Know thou thyself, O man. + +JOHANNES: + + Oh yea, I know thee; for thou art myself: + Knowledge doth chain to thee, pernicious beast, + +(Enter Maria unnoticed by Johannes.) + + Chain mine own self to thee, pernicious beast. + I willed to flee from thee; but I was blind, + Blinded by glamour of the worlds, whereto + My folly fled to free me from myself; + And now once more within my sightless soul + Blind through these words: 'Know thou thyself, O man.' + +(From the springs and rocks resounds:) + + Know thou thyself, O man. + +JOHANNES: (As though coming to himself, sees Maria. The meditation +passes to the plane of inner reality.) + + Thou here, my friend? + +MARIA: + + I sought thee, friend, although I know full well + How comforting to thee is solitude, + When many varying thoughts of many men + Have flooded o'er thy soul. 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 thee; + When Benedictus' words, instead of light, + Such grievous sorrow drew from thy soul's depths. + +JOHANNES: + + How comforting to me is solitude! + + Yea, I have sought to find myself therein, + So often when to labyrinths of thought + The joys and griefs of men had driven me. + But now, O friend, that, too, is past and gone. + What Benedictus' words at first aroused + Within my soul, and all that I lived through + When listening to the speeches of those men, + Seems but indeed a little thing, when I + Compare therewith the storm that solitude + With sullen brooding hath brought forth in me. + Ah me! when I recall this solitude! + It hounded me into the voids of space, + And tore me from my very self in two. + Within that soul to whom I brought such pain + I stood, as though I were some other man. + And there I had to suffer all the pain + Of which I was myself the primal cause. + Ah cruel, sombre, fearful solitude + Thou giv'st me back unto myself indeed, + Yet but to terrify me with the sight + Of mine own nature's fathomless abyss. + Man's final refuge hath been lost to me: + I have been robbed of solitude itself. + +MARIA: + + I must repeat what I have said before. + Alone can Benedictus succour thee; + Only from him may we obtain support + And that firm basis which we both do lack. + For know thou this: I also can no more + Endure the riddle of my life, unless + His gentle guidance solveth it for me. + Full often have I kept before mine eyes + This truth sublime, that o'er all life doth float + Appearance and deception if we grasp + Life's surface only in our moods of thought. + And o'er and o'er again it spake to me: + Thou must take knowledge how illusion's veil + Weaves all around thee; and however oft + It may appear to thee as truth, beware; + For evil fruitage may in truth arise + If thou shouldst try within another's soul + To wake the light that lives within thyself. + Yet in the best part of my soul I know + That even this oppressive weight of care + Which hath o'erwhelmed thy soul, dear friend of mine, + As thou didst tread with me the path of life, + Is part and parcel of the thorny way, + That leads unto the light of Truth itself. + Thou must live through each horror and alarm + That can spring forth from vain imagining + Before the Truth in essence stands revealed. + Thus speaks thy star; and by that same star speech + It doth appear to me that we shall walk + One day united, on the spirit-paths. + And yet whene'er I seek to tread these paths + Black night doth spread a curtain round my sight. + And many things that I must live and do, + Which spring as fruitage from my character, + Intensify the darkness of that night. + We two must seek clear vision in that light, + Which, though it vanish for a while from sight, + Can never be extinguished in the soul. + +JOHANNES: + + But then, Maria, dost thou realize + Through what my soul hath fought its way but now? + A grievous destiny awaiteth thee, + Most noble friend. For well I know that far + From thy pure nature lies that potent force, + That hath so wholly shattered me to bits. + Thou canst ascend the clearest heights of truth, + And scan with steadfast gaze life's tangled path; + And whether in the darkness or the light + Thou wilt retain thine own identity. + But me each moment may deprive of Self. + Deep down I had to dive within the hearts + Of those who late revealed themselves in speech. + I followed one to cloistered solitude,-- + And in another's soul I listened to + Felicia's fairy lore. I was each one; + Only unto myself I seemed as dead; + For I must fain believe that primal life + Did spring from very Nothingness itself, + If it were right to entertain the hope, + That out of that dread nothingness in me + A human being ever could arise. + For I am driven from fear into the dark + And from the darkness back again to fear + By wisdom stored within these living words: + 'Know thou thyself, O man. Know thou thyself.' + +(From the springs and rocks the words resound:) + + Know thou thyself, O man. + +Curtain + + + + + + +SCENE 3 + + +A room for meditation. The background is a great purple curtain. The +scene is purple in colour with a large yellow pentagonal lamp +suspended from the ceiling. No other furniture or ornaments are in +the room except the lamp and one chair. Benedictus, Johannes, Maria, +and a child. + +MARIA: + + I bring to thee this child who needs some word + From out thy mouth. + +BENEDICTUS: + + My child, 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 sleep. Wilt thou do this? + +CHILD: + + Most gladly will I come. + +BENEDICTUS: + + This very eve + Fill thy soul full ere sleep embraceth thee, + With strength from these few words: 'The powers of light + Bear me aloft unto the spirit's home.' + +(Maria leads the child away.) + +MARIA: + + And now, that this child's destiny doth flow + Harmoniously through future days beneath + The shadow of thy gracious fatherhood, + I too may claim my leader's kind advice, + Who am its mother, not by bond of blood + But through the mighty power of destiny. + For thou hast shown to me the way wherein + I had to guide its footsteps from that day, + When I discovered it before my door + Left by its unknown mother desolate. + And wonder-working proved themselves those rules + Whereby thou madest me train my foster-child. + All powers, that deep in body and in soul + Lay hidden, issued forth to light and life: + Clear proof it was that all thy counselling + Sprang from the realm which sheltered this child's soul + Before it built its body's covering. + We saw the hopes of manhood blossom forth + And radiate more brightly each new day; + Thou dost know well how hard it was for me + To gain the child's affection, at the first. + It grew up 'neath my care, and yet nought else + Save habit chained its soul at first to mine. + It only realized and felt that I + Gave it the nurture and the food that served + The needs of body and the growth of soul. + Then came the time when in the child-like heart + There dawned the love for her who fostered it. + An outer incident brought forth this change-- + The visit of the seeress to our group. + 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 speech. + Then came the moment when her ecstasy + Descended on our friend with magic power. + The child could see her eyes' strange smouldering light, + And, terrified unto its vital core, + The young soul dawned to consciousness of self. + + In her dismay she fled unto mine arms; + And from that hour did grow her love for me. + Since that same time she doth accept from me + The gifts of life with her full consciousness + Not with blind instinct: aye, and since that day + When this young heart first quivered into warmth, + Whene'er her gaze met mine with loving glance, + Thy wisdom's treasures of their fruitage failed, + And much already ripe hath withered up. + I saw appear in her those tokens strange + That proved so terrible unto my friend. + + A dark enigma am I to myself, + And grow still darker. Thou wilt not deny + To solve for me life's fearful questionings? + Why do I thus destroy both friend and child, + 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 good? + 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 destiny, + That seems so cruel and which works such harm. + +BENEDICTUS: + + Within our circle there is formed a knot + Of threads that Karma spins world-fashioning. + Thy sufferings, my friend are links in chains, + Forged by the hand of destiny, whereby + The deeds of gods unite with human lives.-- + + When in life's pilgrimage I had attained + That rank which granted me the dignity + To serve with counsel in the spirit-spheres, + A godlike Being did draw nigh to me, + Who would descend into the realms of earth, + And dwell there, veiled in form of flesh, as man. + For just at this one turning-point of time + The Karma of mankind made this demand. + For each great step in world-development + Is only possible when gods do stoop + To link themselves with human destiny. + 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 heart. + My task it was to find that human soul + Which worthy seemed to take within itself + The powerful Seed of God. I had to join + The deed of heaven to some human lot. + My spirit's eye then sought, and fell on thee. + Thy course of life had fitted thee to be + The mediator in salvation's work. + Through many former lives thou hadst acquired + Receptiveness for all the greatest things + That human hearts can e'er experience. + Within thy tender soul thou didst bring forth, + As spirit heritage, the noble gift + Of beauty, joined to virtue's loftiest claim: + 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 few.-- + Too soon thou didst not scale steep spirit-heights; + Nor grew thy yearning for the spirit-land + Before thou hadst the full enjoyment known + Of harmless pleasures in the world of sense. + Anger and love thy soul did learn to know + When thy thoughts dwelt yet far from spirit-life. + Nature in all her beauty to enjoy, + And pluck the fruits of art,--these didst thou strive + To make thy life's sole content and its wealth. + Merry thy laughter, as a child can laugh + Who hath not known as yet life's shadowed fears. + And thus thou learn'dst to understand life's joy, + And mourn its sadness, each in its own time, + Before thy dawning conscience grew to seek + Of sorrow and of happiness the cause. + A ripened fruit of many lives that soul, + That enters earth's domains, and shows such moods. + Its childlike nature is the blossoming + And not the ground-root of its character. + And such a soul alone was I to choose + As mediator for the God, who sought + The power to work within our human world. + And now thou learnest that thy nature must + Transform itself into its opposite, + When it flows forth to other human souls. + The spirit in thee ripens whatsoe'er + In human nature can attain the realm + Of vast eternity; and much it slays + That is but part of transitory realms. + And yet the sacrifices of such deaths + Are but the seeds of immortality, + All that which blossoms forth from death below + Must grow unto the higher life above. + +MARIA: + + E'en so it is with me. Thou giv'st me light: + But light that doth deprive me of my sight, + And sunder me from mine own self in twain. + Then do I seem some spirit's instrument + No longer master of myself. No more + Do I endure that erstwhile form of mine + Which only is a mask and not the truth. + +JOHANNES: + + O friend, what ails thee? Vanished is the light + That filled thine eye: as marble is thy frame. + I grasp thine hand and find it cold as death. + +BENEDICTUS: + + My son, full many trials have come to thee; + And now thou stand'st before life's hardest test. + Thou seest the carnal covering of thy friend; + But her true self doth float in spirit-spheres + Before mine eyes. + +JOHANNES: + + See! Her lips move; she speaks. + +MARIA: + + Thou gav'st me clearness; yet this clearness throws + A veil of darkness round on every side. + I curse thy clearness; and I curse thee too, + Who didst make tool of me for weird wild arts + Whereby thou willedst to deceive mankind. + No doubt at any moment hitherto + Had crossed my mind of heights thy spirit reached; + But now one single moment doth suffice + To tear all faith in thee from out my heart. + Those spirit-beings thou art subject to, + I now must recognize as hellish fiends. + Others I had to mislead and deceive + Because at first I was deceived by thee.-- + But I will flee unto dim distances, + Where not a sound of thee shall reach mine ears; + Yet near enough that thy soul may be reached + By bitter curses framed by these my lips. + For thou didst rob my blood of all its fire, + That thou mightst sacrifice to thy false god + That which was rightly mine and mine alone. + But now this same blood's fire shall thee consume. + Thou madest me trust in vain imaginings; + And that this might be so, thou first didst make + A pictured falsehood of my very self. + Often had I to mark how in my soul + Each deed and thought turned to its opposite; + So now doth turn what once was love for thee, + Into the fire of wild and bitter hate. + Through all worlds will I seek to find that fire + Which can consume thee. See--I cur--Ah--woe! + +JOHANNES: + + Who speaketh here? I do not see my friend. + I hear instead some gruesome being speak. + +BENEDICTUS: + + Thy friend's soul hovers in the heights above. + Only her mortal image hath she left + Here with us: and where'er a human form + Is found bereft of soul, there is the room + Sought by the enemy, the foe of good, + To enter into realms perceptible, + And find some carnal form through which to speak. + Just such an adversary spake e'en now, + Who would destroy the work imposed on me + For thee, my son, and millions yet unborn. + Were I to deem these wild anathemas, + Which our friend's shell did utter here and now, + Aught else but some grim tempter's cunning skill, + Thou durst not follow more my leadership. + The enemy of Good stood by my side, + And thou hast seen into the darkness plunged + All that is temporal of that dear form, + For whom, my son, thy whole love burns and glows. + Since through her mouth spirits spake oft to thee, + The Karma of the world could not restrain + Hell's princes also speaking thus through her. + First now thou mayst seek her very soul + And learn her nature's inmost verity; + For she shall form for thee the prototype + Of that new higher type of humankind + To which thou dost aspire to raise thyself. + Her soul hath soared aloft to spirit-heights, + Where every man may find his being's source + Which springs to life and fulness in himself. + Thou too shalt follow her to spirit-realms, + And see her in the Temple of the Sun.-- + Within this circle there is formed a knot + Of threads which Karma spins, world fashioning. + My son, since thou hast now attained thus far, + Thou shalt still further pierce beyond the veil. + I see thy star in fullest splendour shine. + There is no place within the realm of sense + For strife, such as men wage when they do strive + And struggle after consecration's gift. + The riddles which arise in worlds of sense + Must find solution through man's intellect; + From all that sense engenders in man's heart + Whether of love or hate, whate'er its source + And howsoever direful its results, + The spirit-seeker needs must stand aloof, + Whence he may cast his glance all undisturbed + Upon the fields where such contentions rage. + For him must other powers unfold themselves + Which are not found upon that field of strife. + So didst thou need to fight to prove thy soul + In combat such as comes to him alone, + Who finds himself accoutred for such powers + As do belong unto the spirit-worlds. + And had these powers found thee not ripe enough + To tread the path of knowledge, they needs must + Have maimed thy powers of feeling, ere thou daredst + To know all that which now is known to thee. + The Beings, who can gaze into world-depths, + Lead on those men, who would attain the heights, + First to that summit whence it may be shown + Whether there lies in them the power to reach + To conscious sight within the spirit-realms. + And those in whom such powers are found to lie + Are straightway from the world of sense set free. + The others all must wait their season due. + But thou, thou hast preserved thy Self, my son, + When Powers on high stirred to its depths thy soul. + And potent spirits shrouded thee with fear. + Right powerfully thy Self hath fought its way + E'en though thy very heart was torn by doubts, + That willed to thrust thee into darksome depths. + True pupil of my teaching hast thou been, + First since that hour, so fraught with fate for thee, + When thou didst learn to doubt thy very self, + And gavest up thyself as wholly lost, + But yet the strength within thee held thee fast. + Then might I give thee of my treasured store + Of wisdom, whence to draw the strength to stand + Assured, e'en when mistrusting thine own self. + Such was the wisdom which thou didst attain + More steadfast than the faith once given to thee. + Ripe wast thou found, and thou may'st be set free. + Thy friend hath gone before and waits for thee + In spirit-worlds, and thou shalt find her there. + I can but add this guidance for thee now: + Kindle the full power of thy soul with words + Which through my lips shall grant to thee the key + To spirit-heights, and they will lead thee on + When naught else leads, that eyes of sense can see. + Receive them in the fulness of thy heart: + 'The weaving essence of the light streams forth + Through depths of space to fill the world with light; + Love's grace doth warm the centuries of time + To call forth revelation of all worlds. + And spirit-messengers come forth to wed + The weaving essence of creative light + With revelation of the souls of men: + And that man, who can wed to both of these + His very Self, he lives in spirit-heights.' + O spirits, who are visible to man, + Quicken with life the soul of this our son: + From inmost depths may there stream forth for him + That which can fill his soul with spirit-light. + From inmost depths may there resound for him + That which can wholly wake in him his Self + To the creative joy of spirit-life. + +A SPIRIT-VOICE BEHIND THE STAGE: + + To founts of worlds primeval + His surging thoughts do mount;-- + What as shadow he hath thought + What as fancy he hath lived + Soars up beyond the world of form and shape; + On whose fulness pondering + Mankind in shadow dreams, + O'er whose fulness gazing forth + Mankind in fancy lives. + +Curtain + + + + + + +SCENE 4 + + +A landscape, which seeks to express the world of souls by its +characteristic peculiarities. + +Enter Lucifer and Ahriman. Johannes is seen at the right of the stage +in deep meditation. What follows is experienced by him in meditation. + +LUCIFER: + + O man, know thou thyself; O man, feel me. + From spirit guidance, thou hast freed thyself, + And into earth's free realms thou hast escaped. + Midst earth's confusion thou didst seek to prove + Thine own existence; and to find thyself + Was thy reward, and was thy destiny. + Me didst thou find: for certain spirits willed + To cast a veil before the eyes of sense; + Which veil I rent in twain. Those spirits willed + To follow out their own desires in thee; + But I gave thee self-will and foiled their aim. + O man, know thou thyself; O man, feel me. + +AHRIMAN: + + O man, know me; O man, feel thou thyself. + Thou hast escaped from darkened spirit-realms + And thou hast found again the earth's pure light, + So now from my sure ground drink strength and truth. + I make earth hard and fast. The spirits willed + To snatch away from thee the charm of sense; + Which charm I weave for thee in light condensed. + I lead thee unto true reality. + O man, know me; O man, feel thou thyself. + +LUCIFER: + + Time was not when thou didst not live through me. + I followed thee throughout the course of life, + And was permitted to bestow on thee + Strong personal traits and joy in thine own self. + +AHRIMAN: + + Time was not when thou didst not me behold. + Thy mortal eyes saw me in all earth's growth; + I was permitted to shine forth for thee + In beauty proud and revelation's bliss. + +JOHANNES (to himself in meditation): + + This is the sign as Benedictus told. + Before the world of souls stand these two powers: + The one, as Tempter, lives within the soul; + The other doth obscure the sight of man + When he directeth it to outward things. + The one took on the woman's form e'en now, + To bring the soul's illusions 'neath my gaze; + The other may be found in everything. + +(Enter the Spirit of the Elements with Capesius and Strader, whom he +has brought to the earth's surface from the earth's depths. They are +conceived as souls looking out upon the earth's surface. The Spirit +of the Elements is aged and stands erect upon a sphere. Capesius +and Strader are in astral garb; the former, though the older man of +the two in years, here appears the younger. He wears blue robes of +various shades, Strader wears brown and yellow.) + +SPIRIT: + + So have ye reached the spot ye longed to find. + It proved indeed a heavy care to me, + To grant your wish. Spirits and elements + Did rage in mad wild storm when their domain + I had to enter with your essences. + Your minds opposed the ruling of my powers. + +CAPESIUS: + + Mysterious Being, who art thou, who hast + Brought me to this fair realm through spirit-spheres? + +SPIRIT: + + The soul of man may only look on me, + Whene'er the service which I render it + Hath been achieved. Then may it trace my powers + Through all the moving sequences of time. + +CAPESIUS: + + It matters little to me to enquire + What spirit led me hither to this place. + I feel life's powers revive in this new land, + Whose light doth seem to widen mine own breast; + In my pulse-beat I feel the whole world's might; + And premonitions of exalted deeds + Thrill in my heart. I will translate in words + The revelation of this beauteous realm, + That hath refreshed me in such wondrous wise; + And souls of men shall bloom, as choicest flowers + If I can pour into their life on earth + The inspiration flowing from these founts. + +(Lightning and thunder from the depths and heights.) + +STRADER: + + Why quake the depths, and why resound the heights? + When hope's young dreams surge upward in the soul? + +(Lightning and thunder.) + +SPIRIT: + + To human dreamers words of hope like these + Sound proud indeed; but in the depths of earth + The vain illusions of mistaken thought + Awake such thunderous echoes evermore. + Ye mortals hear them only at those times + When ye draw nigh to my domain. Ye think + To build exalted temples unto Truth, + And yet your work's effects do but unchain + Storm-spirits in primeval depths of earth. + Nay more, the spirits must destroy whole worlds, + That deeds ye do in realms where time hath sway + May not cause devastation and cold death + Through all the ages of eternity. + +STRADER: + + So these eternal ages must regard + As empty fantasy what seems the truth + To man's best observation and research. + +(Lightning and thunder.) + +SPIRIT: + + An empty fantasy, so long as sense + Doth only search in realms to spirit strange. + +STRADER: + + 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 desire; + But in mine aged heart thy words fall dead + Despite their summoned aid of thunderous storms. + I tore myself from cloistered quietude + To proud achievement in my search for truth. + In life's storm-centres many a year I stood, + And men had confidence in me, and what + I taught them through my deep strong sense for truth. + +(Lightning and thunder.) + +SPIRIT: + + 'Tis fitting for thee to confess that none + Can tell whence stream the fountains of our thought, + Nor where the fundaments of Being lie. + +STRADER: + + Oh this same speech, which in youth's hopeful days + So oft with chill persistence pierced my soul + When thought-foundations quaked, which once seemed firm! + +(Lightning and thunder.) + +SPIRIT: + + If thou dost fail to gain the victory + O'er me with those blunt weapons of thy thought + Thou art a fleeting phantom, nothing more, + Formed by thine own deluded imagery. + +STRADER: + + So soon again such gruesome speech from thee! + This too I heard before in mine own soul, + When once a seeress threateningly did wish + To wreck the firm foundations of my thought + And make me feel the sharp dread sting of doubt. + But that is past, and I defy thy might, + Thou aged rogue, so cunningly concealed + Beneath a mask devised by thine own self + To counterfeit the form of nature's lord. + Reason will overthrow thee, otherwise + Than thou dost think, when once she is enthroned + Upon the proud heights of the mind of man. + As mistress will she reign assuredly + Not as some handmaiden in nature's realm. + +SPIRIT: + + The world is ordered so, that every act + Requires a like reaction: unto you + I gave the self; ye owe me my reward. + +CAPESIUS: + + I will myself create from mine own soul + The spirit counterpart of things of sense. + And when at length all nature stands transformed, + Idealized through man's creative work, + Her mirrored form shall be reward enough; + And then if thou dost feel thyself akin + To that great mother of all worlds, and spring'st + From depths where world-creating forces reign. + Then let my will, which lives in head and breast, + Inspiring me to aim at highest goals, + Be thy reward for deeds done at my best. + Thy help hath raised me from dull sentiment + To thought's proud heights--Let this be thy reward! + +(Lightning and thunder.) + +SPIRIT: + + Ye well can see, how little your bold words + Bear weight in my domain: they do but loose + The storm, and rouse the elements to wrath, + Fierce adversaries of the ordered world. + +CAPESIUS: + + Take then thine own reward where't may be found. + The impulse that doth drive the souls of men + To seek true spirit-heights within themselves + Set their own measure, their own order make. + Creation were not possible for man + If others wished to claim what he had made. + The song that trills from out the linnet's throat + Sufficeth for itself; and so doth man + Find his reward, when in his fashioning work + He doth experience creative joy. + +(Lightning and thunder.) + +SPIRIT: + + It is not meet to grudge me my reward. + If ye yourselves cannot repay the debt + Then tell the woman, who endowed your souls + With power, that she must pay instead of you. + +(Exit.) + +CAPESIUS: + + He hath departed. Whither turn we now? + To find our way aright in these new worlds + Must be, it seems, the first care of our minds. + +STRADER: + + To follow confidently the best way, + That we can find, with sure but cautious tread, + Methinks should lead us straightway to the goal. + +CAPESIUS: + + Rather should we be silent as to goal. + That we shall find if we courageously + Obey the impulse of our inner self, + Which speaks thus to me: 'Let Truth be thy guide; + May it unfold strong powers within thyself + And mould them with the noblest fashioning + In all that thou shalt do; then must thy steps + Attain their destined goal, nor go astray.' + +STRADER: + + Yet from the outset it were best our steps + Should not lack consciousness of their true goal, + If we would be of service unto men + And give them happiness. He, who would serve + Himself alone, doth follow his own heart; + But he, who wills to serve his neighbour best, + Must surely know his life's necessities. + +(The Other Maria, also in soul-form, emerges from the rocks, covered +with precious stones.) + + But see! What wondrous being's this? It seems + As though the rock itself did give it birth. + From what world-depths do such strange forms arise? + +THE OTHER MARIA: + + I wrest my way through solid rock, and fain + Would clothe in human speech its very will; + I sense earth's essence and with human brains + I fain would think the thoughts of Earth herself. + I breathe the purest airs of life, and shape + The powers of air to feel as doth mankind. + +STRADER: + + Then thou canst not assist us in our quest. + For far aloft from men's endeavour stands + All that which must abide in nature's realm. + +CAPESIUS: + + Lady, I like thy words, and I would fain + Translate thy form of speech into mine own. + +THE OTHER MARIA: + + Most strange doth seem to me your proud discourse. + For, when ye speak yourselves, unto mine ear + Your words do sound incomprehensible. + But if I let them echo in my heart + And issue in new form, they spread abroad + O'er all that lives in mine environment + And solve for me its hidden mystery. + +CAPESIUS: + + If this, thy speech, be true, then change for us + Into thy speech, that nature may respond, + The question of the true worth of our lives. + For we ourselves lack power to question thus + Great mother nature that we may be heard. + +THE OTHER MARIA: + + In me ye only see an humble maid + Of that high spirit-being, which doth dwell + In that domain whence ye have just now come. + There hath been given me this field of work + That here in lowliness I may show forth + Her mirrored image unto mortal sense. + +CAPESIUS: + + So then we have just fled from that domain + Wherein our longing could have been assuaged? + +THE OTHER MARIA: + + And if ye do not find again the way, + Your efforts shall be fruitless evermore. + +CAPESIUS: + + Then tell which way will lead us back again. + +THE OTHER MARIA: + + There are two ways. If my power doth attain + To its full height all creatures of my realm + Shall glow in beauty's most resplendent dress. + From rocks and water, glittering light shall stream, + And colours in their richest fulness flash + On all around, whilst life in merry mood + Shall fill the air with joyous harmony. + 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 worlds. + +STRADER: + + That is no way for us; for in our speech + We name such talk mere fancy, and we fain + Would seek firm ground, not fly to cloud-capped heights. + +THE OTHER MARIA: + + Then if ye wish to tread the other path + Ye must forthwith renounce your spirit's pride. + Ye must forget what reason doth command, + And let the touch of nature conquer you. + In your men's breasts let your child-soul have sway, + Artless and undisturbed by thought's dim shades. + So will ye surely reach Life's fountain-head, + Although unconscious of the way ye go. + +(Exit.) + +CAPESIUS: + + Thus are we thrown back on ourselves alone, + And have but learned that it behoveth us + To work and wait in patience for the fruit + That future days shall ripen from our work. + +JOHANNES (speaking, as it were, from his meditation. Here and in the +following scene he sits aside and takes no part in the action): + + So do I find within the soul's domain + Those men who are already known to me: + First he who told us of Felicia's tales, + Though here I saw him in his youthful prime; + And also he who in his younger days + Had chosen for his life monastic rule, + As some old man did he appear: with them + There stood the Spirit of the Elements. + +Curtain + + + + + + +SCENE 5 + + +A subterranean rock-temple: a hidden site of the Mysteries of the +Hierophants. + +At the right of the stage, Johannes is seen in deep meditation. + +BENEDICTUS (in the East): + + Ye, who have been companions unto me + In the domain of everlasting life, + 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 one, + Who from our midst must now receive the light. + Through bitter trials and sorrows hath he passed, + And hath in deepest agony of soul + Prepared the way to consecrate his life + And thus attain to knowledge of the truth. + Accomplished now the task assigned to me, + As spirit-messenger, to bring to men + The treasured wisdom of this temple's shrine. + And now, ye brethren, 'tis your sacred task + To bring my work to full accomplishment. + I showed to him the light that proved the guide + To his first vision of the spirit-world, + But that this vision may be turned to truth + Your work must needs be added unto mine. + My words proceed from mine own mouth alone, + But through your lips world-spirits do sound forth. + +THEODOSIUS (in the South): + + Thus speaks the power of love, which bindeth worlds + And filleth beings with the breath of life:-- + 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 world. + His sight from sleep of sense thou hast set free; + Love's warmth will wake the spirit in his soul: + His Self from carnal covering thou hast drawn; + And love itself will crystallize his soul + That it may be a mirror to reflect + All that doth happen in the spirit-world. + Love too will give him strength to feel himself + A spirit, and will fashion thus his ear + That it can hear and know the spirit-speech. + +ROMANUS (in the West): + + Nor are my words the revelation true + Of mine own self. Through me the world-will speaks. + And since thou hast thus raised unto the power + To live in spirit-realms the man to thee + Entrusted, now this power shall lead him forth + Beyond the bounds of space and ends of time. + To those realms shall he pass wherein do work + Creative spirits, who shall there reveal + Themselves to him; demanding from him deeds; + And willingly will he perform their work. + The purposes of Him who moulds the worlds + Shall fill his soul with life; there too the earth's + Primeval sources shall enspirit him; + World potencies shall there empower him; + The mights of spheres shall there enlighten him, + And rulers of the worlds fill him with fire. + +RETARDUS (in the North): + + From the foundation of the world ye have + Been forced to suffer me within your midst. + So must ye also to my words give ear + In your deliberations here today. + Some little time must surely yet elapse + Before ye can fulfil and bring to pass + What ye have set forth in such beauteous words. + No sign as yet hath come to us from earth + That she doth long for new initiates. + So long as this spot, where we council hold, + Hath not been trodden by the feet of those + Who, uninitiate still, cannot set free + Their spirit from realities of sense, + So long the task is mine to check your zeal. + First must they bring us message that the earth + Doth seem in need of revelations new. + For this cause hold I back your spirit-light + Within this temple, lest it may bring harm + Instead of health to souls that are not ripe. + Out of myself I give to man on earth + That faculty which lets the truths of sense + Appear to him the highest, just so long + As spirit wisdom would but blind his eyes. + Nay more, e'en such belief may also lead + Him nearer to the spirit, for the aims + Formed by his will may yet be guided right + Through his blind tastes and gropings in the dark. + +ROMANUS: + + From the foundation of the world we have + Been forced to suffer thee within our midst. + But now at length the time hath run its course + That was allotted to such work as thine. + The world-will in me feels that they approach-- + +(Felix Balde appears in his earthly shape: the Other Maria as a +soul-form from out of the rock.) + + --Who, uninitiated, can release + The spirit from the outward show of sense. + No more 'tis granted thee to check our steps. + They near our temple of their own free will + And bring to thee this message, that they wish + To help our spirit labours, joined with us. + They found themselves till now not yet prepared + For union, since they clung to that belief + That seership's power with reason needs must part. + Now have they learned whither mankind is led + By reason, which, when severed from true sight, + Doth err and wander in the depths of worlds. + They now will speak to thee of fruits which needs + Must ripen through thy power in human souls. + +RETARDUS: + + Ye, who unconsciously have forwarded + My work till now, ye shall still further help-- + If ye will distant keep from all that doth + Belong unto my realm and that alone. + Then shall ye surely find a place reserved + For you to work as hitherto ye worked. + +FELIX BALDE: + + A power, which speaks from very depths of earth + Unto my spirit, hath commanded me + To come unto this consecrated place; + Since it desires to speak to you through me + Of all its bitter sorrow and its need. + +BENEDICTUS: + + My friend, then tell us now how thou hast learned + The woe of world-depths in thine own soul's core. + +FELIX BALDE: + + 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 depths. + Already now a long time have they starved + Well-nigh entirely reft of sustenance. + For that which grows today in human brains + Doth only serve the surface of the earth, + And doth not penetrate unto its depths. + Some strange new superstition now doth haunt + These clever human heads: they turn their gaze + Unto primeval origins of earth + And will but spectres see in spirit spheres, + Thought out by vain illusion of the sense. + A merchant surely would consider mad + A purchaser, who would speak thus to him: + 'The mists and fog, that hover in the vale, + Can certainly condense to solid gold; + And with such gold thou shalt be paid thy debt.' + The merchant will not willingly await + To have his ducats made from fog and mist; + And yet whene'er his soul doth thirst to find + Solution of the riddles set by life, + Should science offer him such payments then + For spirit needs and debts, right willingly + Will he accept whole solar systems built + Out of primeval world-containing fog. + The teacher who discovers some unknown + And luckless layman, who hath raised himself + To heights of science or of scholarship + Without examinations duly passed + Will surely threaten him with his contempt. + Yet science doth not doubt that without proof + And without spirit earth's primeval beasts + Could change themselves to men by their own power. + +THEODOSIUS: + + Why dost thou not thyself reveal to men + The sources of this light of thine, which streams + Forth from thy soul with such resplendent ray? + +FELIX BALDE: + + A fancy-monger and a man of dreams + They call me, who are well-disposed to me: + But others think of me as some dull fool + Who, all untaught of them, doth follow out + His own peculiar bent of foolishness. + +RETARDUS: + + Thou show'st already how untaught thou art + By the simplicity of this thy speech: + Thou dost not know that men of science have + Sufficient shrewdness to make just the same + Objection to themselves as unto thee. + And if they make it not they know well why. + +FELIX BALDE: + + I know full well that they are shrewd enough + To understand objections they have made, + But not so shrewd as to believe in them. + +THEODOSIUS: + + What must we do that we may forthwith give + The powers of earth what they do need so much? + +FELIX BALDE: + + So long as on the earth men only heed + Such men as these, who wish not to recall + Their spirit's primal source, so long will starve + The mineral forces buried in earth's depths. + +THE OTHER MARIA: + + I gather, brother Felix, from thy words, + That thou dost think the time hath now expired + When we did serve earth's purposes the best + Through wisdom's light, ourselves unconsecrate-- + When we showed forth from roots in our own life + The living way of spirit and of love. + In thee the spirits of the earth arose + To give thee light without the lore of books: + In me did love hold sway, the love that dwells + And works within the life of men on earth. + And now we wish to join our brethren here,-- + Who, consecrate, within this temple serve,-- + And bring forth fruitful work in human souls. + +BENEDICTUS: + + If ye unite your labour now with us, + Then must the consecrated work succeed. + The wisdom which I gave unto my son + Will surely blossom forth in him as power. + +THEODOSIUS: + + If ye unite your labour now with us, + Then must the thirst for sacrifice arise. + And through the soul life of whoever seeks + The spirit-path, will breathe the warmth of love. + +ROMANUS: + + If ye unite your labour now with us, + Then must the fruits of spirit ripen fast. + Deeds will spring up, which through the spirit's work + Will blossom from your soul's discipleship. + +RETARDUS: + + If they unite their labour now with you + What shall become of me? My deeds will prove + Fruitless to those who would the spirit seek. + +BENEDICTUS: + + Then wilt thou change into thine other self: + Since now thou hast accomplished all thy work. + +THEODOSIUS: + + Henceforth thou wilt live on in sacrifice + If thou dost freely sacrifice thyself. + +ROMANUS: + + Thou wilt bear fruit on earth in human deeds + If I myself may tend the fruits for thee. + +JOHANNES (speaking out of his meditation, as in the previous scene): + + The brethren in the temple showed themselves + To my soul-sight, resembling in their form + Men whose appearance I already know. + Yet Benedictus seemed a spirit too. + He who stood on his left seemed like that man + Who through the feelings only would draw nigh + The spirit-realms. The third resembled him, + Who doth but recognize the powers of life + When they show forth through wheels and outward works. + The fourth I do not know. The wife who saw + The spirit's light after her husband's death, + I recognized in her own inmost being. + And Felix Balde came just as in life. + +The curtain falls slowly. + + + + + + +SCENE 6 + + +Scene the same as the Fourth. + +(The Spirit of the Elements stands in the same place.) + +FELICIA: + + Thou calledst me. What wouldst thou hear of me? + +SPIRIT: + + Two men did I present unto the earth + Whose spirit-powers were fructified through thee. + They found their soul's awakening in thy words + When meditation dry had lamed them both. + Thy gifts to them make thee my debtor too. + Their spirit doth not of itself suffice + To render full repayment unto me + For all the service which I did for them. + +FELICIA: + + For many years one of these men did come + To our small cottage, that he might obtain + The strength that lent unto his words their fire. + Later he brought the other with him too; + And so they two consumed the fruits, whose worth + Was then unknown to me: but little good + Did I receive from them as recompense. + Their kind of knowledge to our son they gave, + With good intent indeed, but yet the child + Found nought therein but death unto his soul. + He grew to manhood steeped in all the light, + His father Felix, through the spirit-speech, + Taught him from fountains and from rocks and hills: + To this was joined all that had lived and grown + In my own soul from my first childhood's years; + And yet our son's clear spirit-sense was killed + By the deep gloom of sombre sciences. + Instead of some blithe happy child, there grew + A man of desert soul and empty heart. + And now forsooth thou dost demand of me + That I should pay what they do owe to thee! + +SPIRIT: + + It must be so, for thou at first didst serve + The earthly part in them; and so through me + The spirit bids thee now complete the work. + +FELICIA: + + 'Tis not my wont to shrink from any debt; + But tell me first what detriment will grow + In mine own self from this love-service done? + +SPIRIT: + + What thou at first didst do for them on earth, + Robbed of his spirit-powers thine only son; + And what thou givest to their spirits now + Is lost henceforth to thee from thine own self; + Which lessening of the powers of life in thee + Will show as ugliness in thine own flesh. + +FELICIA: + + They robbed my child of all his spirit-power, + And in return I needs must wander forth + A monster in the sight of men, that fruits + May ripen for them, which work little good! + +SPIRIT: + + Yet thy work aids the welfare of mankind + And leads as well to thine own happiness. + Thy mother's beauty and thy child's own life + Will blossom for thee in a loftier way, + When one day in the souls and hearts of men, + New spirit-powers shall seed and fructify. + +FELICIA: + + What must I do? + +SPIRIT: + + Mankind thou hast inspired + Full often with thy words. Inspire then now + The spirits of the rocks: 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 work. + +FELICIA: + + So be it then:--A being once did live + Who flew from East to West, as runs the sun. + He flew o'er lands and seas, and from this height + He looked upon the doings of mankind. + He saw how men did one another love, + And, how in hatred they did persecute. + Yet naught could stay this being in his flight, + For love and hatred none the less bring forth + Full many thousand times the same results. + Yet o'er one house--there must the being stay; + For therein dwelt a tired and weary man, + Who pondered on the love of humankind, + And pondered also over human hate. + His contemplations had already graved + Deep furrows on his brow; his hair was white. + And, grieving o'er this man, the being lost + His sun-guide's leadership, and stayed with him + Within his room e'en when the sun went down. + And when the sun arose again, once more + The being joined the spirit of the sun; + And once again he saw mankind pass through + The cycle of the earth in love and hate. + But when he came, still following the sun, + A second time above that selfsame house, + His gaze did fall upon a man quite dead. + +(Germanus, invisible behind the rock, speaks. As he speaks, he +gradually drags his unwieldy size on to the stage; his feet like +clogs are almost earth-bound.) + +GERMANUS: + + A man once lived, who went from East to West: + Whose eager thirst for knowledge lured him on + O'er land and sea; and with his wisdom's sight + He looked upon the doings of mankind. + He saw how men did one another love, + And, how in hatred they did persecute; + And at each turn of life the man did note + How blind was wisdom's eye to probe its depths. + For, though the world is ruled by love and hate, + Yet could he not combine them into law. + A thousand single cases wrote he down + Yet still he lacked the comprehending eye. + This dull, dry seeker after truth once met + Upon his path a being formed of light; + Who found existence fraught with heaviness + Since it must live in constant combat with + A darksome being formed of shadows black. + 'Who art thou then?' the dry truth-seeker asked. + 'Love,' said the one; the other answered, 'Hate.' + But these two beings' words fell on deaf ears; + The man heard not, but wandered blindly on + In his dry search for truth from East to West. + +FELICIA: + + And who art thou, who thus against my wish + Dost parody my words in his own way + Until they sound a very mockery? + +GERMANUS: + + Only a dwarf-like image of me lives + In man, and therein many things are thought, + That are but mockery of their own selves. + When I do show them in the actual size, + In which they do appear within my brain. + +FELICIA: + + And therefore dost thou also mock at me? + +GERMANUS: + + I must right often ply this trade of mine; + Yet mostly men do hear me not, so now + I seized for once this opportunity + To speak as well where men can hear my words. + +JOHANNES (out of his meditation): + + This was the man, who of himself did say + That spirit-light grew of its own accord + Within his brain; and Dame Felicia came, + Just like her husband, as she is in life. + +Curtain + + + + + + +SCENE 7 + + +The domain of spirit: a scene of various coloured crystal rocks and +a few trees. Maria, Philia, Astrid, Luna; the child; Johannes, first +at a distance, then coming nearer; Theodora; lastly Benedictus. + +MARIA: + + Ye sisters, who so often proved of old + My helpers, help me also in this hour; + That I may cause to vibrate in itself + The ether of the worlds. Let it resound + In harmony, and thus resounding reach + And permeate a soul with knowledge true. + Signs can I see which guide us to our work; + For your work must unite itself with mine. + Johannes, he who strives, by our designs + To real existence shall be lifted up. + The brethren in the temple counsel took + How they should guide him to the heights of light + Out of the depths, and they expect of us + To fill his soul with power for such high flight. + Thou shalt absorb for me, my Philia, + The light's clear essence from the breadths of space; + And fill thyself with all the charm of sound, + Which wells from out the soul's creative power; + That thou mayst then impart to me the gifts + Which thou dost gather from the spirit's depths. + Then can I weave their perfect harmonies + In the soul-stirring rhythmic dance of spheres. + Thou, Astrid, too, loved mirror of my soul, + Thou shalt produce within the flowing light, + The power of shade that colours may shine forth; + Thou shalt give shape to formless harmonies, + That as world-substance weaveth to and fro + It may sound forth upon its living way. + So am I able to entrust to man, + When he doth seek, a spirit-consciousness. + And thou, strong Luna, firm in thine own self, + E'en like the living marrow, which doth grow + Within the centre of the tree, do thou + Unite unto thy sisters' gifts thine own; + Impress thereon thy personality, + That he who seeks may wisdom's surety find. + +PHILIA: + + With clearest essence of the light will I + From world-wide breadths of space myself imbue; + From distant ether-bounds will I breathe deep + Living sound-substance that such things may cause + Thy work, beloved sister, to succeed. + +ASTRID: + + I will weave through the beaming web of light + Subduing darkness, and I will condense + The living sounds, that, sounding, they may glow, + And glowing, sound; that thou mayst thus direct, + Beloved sister, soul-life's radiant beam. + +LUNA: + + Soul-substance will I warm; and will make hard + The living ether; that they may condense, + And feel themselves as living entities + With active power to fashion their own life; + That thou, beloved sister, mayst create + True wisdom's surety in man's seeking soul. + +MARIA: + + From Philia's realm shall stream forth conscious joy; + And water nymphs with their transforming power + Shall then unfold receptiveness of soul; + That the awakened one may undergo + And live the mirth and sorrow of the world. + From Astrid's web shall grow the joy of love; + And sylphs, that live in air, shall then incite + The soul's desire to willing sacrifice; + That thus the consecrated one may give + New life to sorrow-laden souls of men, + And comfort those who crave for happiness. + From Luna's power shall stream forth solid strength; + And salamanders with their fiery breath + Shall then create security of soul; + That he who knows may find himself again + In weaving soul-streams and the life of worlds. + +PHILIA: + + I shall implore the spirits of the world + That their own being's light may so enchant + The senses of the soul; and their words' sound + So fill with happiness the spirit ears; + That he, whose wakening nears, may thus ascend + The path of souls unto celestial heights. + +ASTRID: + + The streams of love, which warm the worlds, will I + Direct unto his consecrated heart; + That he may bring into his work on earth + The grace of heaven, and create desire + For consecration in the hearts of men. + +LUNA: + + From earth's primeval powers will I implore + Courage and strength, that may lay them deep + Within the seeker's heart; that confidence + In his own Self may guide him through his life. + Then shall he feel secure in his own soul + And pluck each moment's ripened fruit, and draw + The seeds therefrom to found eternities. + +MARIA: + + With you, my sisters, joined in noble work + I shall succeed in what I long to do. + But hark! There rises to our world of light + The cry of him who hath been sorely tried. + +(Johannes appears.) + +JOHANNES: + + 'Tis thou, Maria! Then my suffering + Hath at the last born richest fruit for me. + It hath withdrawn me from the phantom shape + Which I at first did make out of myself, + And which then held me fast, a prisoner. + Pain do I thank for thus enabling me + To reach thee o'er the pathways of the soul. + +MARIA: + + And what then was the path that led thee here? + +JOHANNES: + + I felt myself from bonds of sense released: + My sight was freed from that close barrier, + Which hid all but the present from mine eyes. + Quite otherwise I viewed the life of one + I knew on earth, and looked beyond the space + Bound by the present moment's narrow ring. + Capesius, who in his older years + Hath but employed the sight of sense--this man + The spirit placed before my soul a youth, + As first he entered on life's thorny path + Full of those dreams of hope, which ofttimes brought + A group of faithful hearers to his feet. + And Strader, also could I see e'en thus + As he appeared in earthly life when young, + E'er he had full outgrown his cloistered youth: + And I could see what he might once have been, + If he had followed out in that same way + The goal he set before himself of old. + And only those who in their earthly life + Are filled already with the spirit's power + Appear unchanged within the spirit-realms. + Both Dame Felicia and good Felix too + Had kept the forms in which they lived on earth, + When I beheld them with my spirit's sight. + And then my guides showed kindness unto me, + And spake of gifts which shall one day be mine + When I can reach to wisdom's lofty heights. + And many things besides have I beheld + With spirit-organs which sense-sight at first + Had shown to me in its own narrow way. + For judgment's all-illuminating light + Irradiated this new world of mine. + But whether I lived in some shadowy dream, + Or whether spirit-truth surrounded me + Already, I could not as yet decide. + Whether my spirit-sight was really stirred + By other things, or whether mine own self + Expanded into some world of its own, + I knew not. Then didst thou appear thyself; + Not as thou seemest at the present time, + Nor as the past beheld thee; nay--I saw + Thee as thou art in spirit evermore. + Not human was thy nature: in thy soul + Clear could I recognize the spirit-light, + Which worked not as man clothed in flesh doth work. + As spirit did it act, that strives to do + Such work as in eternity hath root. + And only now, when I dare stand complete + In spirit nigh thee, doth the full light glow. + In thee my sight of sense already grasped + Reality so fast, that certainty + Doth meet me even here in spirit-realms; + And well I know that now before me stands + No phantom shape. 'Tis thy true character + In which I met thee yonder, and in which + 'Tis now permitted me to meet thee here. + +THEODORA: + + I feel compelled to speak. A glow of light + From out thy brow, Maria, upward mounts. + This glow takes shape, and grows to human form. + It is a man with spirit deep imbued, + And other men do gather round his feet. + I gaze into dim times, long passed away + On that good man who rose from out thy head: + His eyes do shine with perfect peace of soul; + And deep true feeling glows in every line + And feature of his noble countenance. + A woman facing him mine eye doth see, + Who listens with devotion to the words + Proceeding from his mouth; which words I hear, + And thus they sound: 'Ye have unto your gods + Looked up with awed devotion until now. + These gods I love, as ye love them yourselves. + They did present unto your thought its power, + And planted courage in your heart; but yet + Their gifts spring from a higher spirit still.' + I see how rage doth spread amongst the throng + At this man's words. I hear their mad wild cries: + 'Kill him; for he desires to take from us + The gifts the gods have given to our race.' + But unconcernedly the man speaks on. + He tells now of that God in human form, + Who did descend to earth and conquer death. + He tells of Christ; and as his words flow on + The souls around grow calm and pacified. + One only of the heathen hearts resists, + And swears it will wreak vengeance on the man. + I recognize this heart; it beats again + In yonder child, that nestles at thy side. + The messenger of Christ speaks to it thus: + 'Thy fate doth not permit thee to draw nigh + In this life; but I shall wait patiently, + For thy path leads thee to me in the end.' + The woman who doth stand before the man + Falls at his feet and feels herself transformed. + A soul prays to the God in human form; + A heart doth love God's messenger on earth. + +(Johannes sinks upon his knees before Maria.) + +MARIA: + + Johannes, that which dawneth in thy mind + Thou shalt awaken to full consciousness. + E'en now within thee hath thy memory + Wrenched itself free from fetterings of sense. + Thou hast found me, and thou hast felt myself, + As we were joined in former life on earth. + Thou wast the woman whom the seeress saw, + For so didst thou lie prostrate at my feet, + When I as messenger of Christ did come + Unto thy tribe in days long since gone by. + What in Hibernia's consecrated shrines + Was then entrusted to me by that God, + Who dwelt in human form, and did become + A conqueror o'er all the powers of death, + I had to bring to tribes, in whom still lived + A soul that brought a willing sacrifice, + To mighty Odin, and with sorrow thought + Upon the death of Balder, god of light. + The power, which from that message grew in thee, + Attracted thee to me from the first day + Thine eyes of sense beheld me in this life. + And since it strove so mightily in us, + And yet remained unrecognized by both, + It wove into our life those sufferings, + Which we o'ercame. Yet in that pain itself + There lay the power to guide us on our way + To spirit-realms, where we might recognize + And know in very truth each other's soul. + Intolerably did thy pain increase + Through all the men who thronged thee round about, + With whom by fate's decree thou art conjoined. + Hence was the revelation of their selves + Able so fiercely to convulse thine heart. + These men hath Karma gathered round thee now, + To wake in thee the power that once did urge + Thee on the path of life, which selfsame power + Hath thus far roused thee, that, from body freed, + Thou couldst ascend into the spirit-world. + Thou standest nearest to my soul, since thou + Hast kept through pain thy steadfast faith in me. + And therefore hath it fallen to my lot + That consecration to complete in thee, + To which thou owest this thy spirit-light. + The brethren, who within the temple serve, + Have wakened sight in thee; yet canst thou know + That what thou seest is very truth indeed, + Only when thou dost find in spirit-realms + A being, unto whom in worlds of sense + Thou wast united in thine inmost soul. + And that this being might thus meet thee here, + Before thee did the brethren send me out. + And this did prove the hardest of thy tests, + When I was summoned here to wait for thee. + Our leader, Benedictus, did I ask + To solve for me the riddle of my life, + That seemed to be so cruel and unkind; + And blessedness streamed from his every word, + Telling of his own mission and of mine. + He told me of the spirit I must serve + With all the power which I have found in me. + And at his words it seemed to me as though, + All in a moment clearest spirit-light + Streamed through and through my soul, and suffering + Was changed to joyous blessedness; one thought + Alone then filled my soul;--he gave me light, + Yea, light, that gave to me the power of sight;-- + It was the will that lived within the thought + Wholly to give myself to spirit-life, + To make me ready for the sacrifice + Which would unto our leader draw me near. + This thought did generate the highest power: + It gave wings to my soul and wafted me + Into that realm where thou hast found me now. + In that same moment when I felt released + From my sense body, I was free to turn + My spirit's eye upon thee, and I saw + Not only thee, Johannes, standing there; + I saw the woman too, that followed me + In ancient times; and had bound close to mine + Her destiny. E'en thus was spirit-truth + Revealed to me in spirit-realms through thee, + Who in the world of sense already wast + Made one with me in inmost consciousness. + So did I gain this spirit-certainty + And was endowed to give it unto thee. + Sending a ray of highest, tenderest love + To Benedictus, I went on before; + And he hath given unto thee the power + To follow me into the spirit-spheres. + +(Benedictus appears.) + +BENEDICTUS: + + Ye here have found yourselves in spirit-realms + And so it is permitted unto me + To stand once more beside you in these realms. + I could confer the power that urged you here, + But I could not conduct you here myself. + Thus read the law, which I must needs obey:-- + Ye must through your own selves first gain the eye + Of spirit, which doth here make visible + My spirit to you. Ye have just begun + E'en now the path of spirit-pilgrimage. + Henceforth indeed upon the plane of sense + Endowed with novel powers shall ye both stand, + And with the spirit in your hearts unsealed + The cause of human progress shall ye serve, + For Fate itself hath so united you, + That ye together may unfold the powers + Which needs must serve divine creative work. + And as ye journey on the path of souls + Wisdom herself will teach you that the heights + May only be obtained by souls of men, + Who have gained spirit-certainty, when they + Unite in faith to do salvation's work. + My spirit-guidance hath united you + To realize each other: now do ye + Unite yourselves to do the spirit's work. + May powers that dwell within this realm confer + On you through these my lips this Word of strength:-- + 'The weaving essence of the light streams forth + From man to man to fill all worlds with truth. + The grace of love spreads warmth from soul to soul + To work out bliss eternal for all worlds. + And spirit-messengers come forth to wed + Man's works of love and grace to cosmic aims. + And when a man who dwells amongst mankind + Can wed these twain, there doth stream forth on earth + True spirit-light from his warm loving soul.' + +Curtain + + + + + + +INTERLUDE + + +Scene: same as in the Prelude. The day after the play to which Estella, +in the Prelude, invited her friend to accompany her. + +SOPHIA: Forgive me, dear Estelle, for keeping you waiting. I had to +attend to something for the children. + +ESTELLA: Here I am back again with you already. I long for your +sympathy, whenever anything stirs me deeply. + +SOPHIA: Well, you know that I shall always sympathize most warmly +with you in your interests. + +ESTELLA: This play, of which I spoke to you, Outcasts from Body and +from Soul touched me so deeply. Does it seem to you odd when I say +that there were moments when all I had ever known of human sorrow +stood before me? With highest artistic force the work not only gives +the outer mischances, met with by so many people, but also points +out with wonderful penetration the deepest agonies of the soul. + +SOPHIA: One cannot, I fear, form a proper conception of a work of +art by simply hearing of its contents. But I would like you to tell +me what stirred you so. + +ESTELLA: The construction of the play was admirable. The artist wished +to show how a young painter loses all his creative desire, because he +begins to doubt his love for a woman. She had endowed him with the +power to develop his promising talents. Pure enthusiasm for his art +had produced in her the most beautiful love of sacrifice. To her he +owed the fullest development of his abilities in his chosen field. He +blossomed, as it were, in the sunshine of his benefactress. Constant +association with this woman developed his gratitude into passionate +love. This caused him to neglect, more and more, a poor creature who +was faithfully devoted to him, and who finally died of grief, because +she had to confess to herself that she had lost the heart of the man +she loved. When he heard of her death, the news did not seriously +disturb him, for his heart belonged entirely to his benefactress. Yet +he grew ever more and more certain that her noble feeling of friendship +for him would never turn to passionate love. This conviction drove +all creative joy from his soul, and his inner life grew constantly +more desolate. In this condition of life the poor girl, whom he had +forsaken, came again into his mind, and a wrecked life was all that +resulted from a hopeful and promising man. Without prospect of a +single ray of light he pined away. All this is portrayed with intense +dramatic vividness. + +SOPHIA: I can easily see how the play must have worked upon your +feelings. As a girl you always suffered intensely at the destiny of +such people, who had been driven to bitterness by heavy misfortunes +in their life. + +ESTELLA: My dear Sophy; you misunderstand me. I can easily distinguish +between what is real and what is merely artistic. And criticism fails, +I know, if one carries into it the feelings one had in life. What +stirred me here so deeply was the really perfect representation of +a deep problem of life. I was once again able to realize clearly +how art can only mount to such heights, when it keeps close to the +fulness of life. As soon as it departs therefrom, its works are untrue. + +SOPHIA: I understand you perfectly when you speak like that. I +have always admired the artists who could represent what you +call the reality of life. And I believe a great many have that +power,--especially nowadays. Nevertheless even the very highest +attainments leave behind them in my soul a certain discomfort. For +a long time I was unable to explain this to myself, but one day the +light came that brought the answer. + +ESTELLA: You mean to tell me, that your conception of the world has +dispelled your appreciation of so-called realistic art? + +SOPHIA: Dear Estelle, let us not speak of my conception of the world +today. You know quite well, 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 world.' And these feelings are +not only aroused in me with reference to so-called realistic art: but +other things also create a similar feeling in me. It grows especially +marked when I become aware of what I might call, in a higher sense, +the want of truth in certain works of art. + +ESTELLA: There I really cannot follow you. + +SOPHIA: A vivid grasp of real truth must needs create in the heart a +sense of a certain poverty in works of art. For of course the greatest +artist is always a novice compared with nature in her perfection. The +most accomplished artist fails to give me what I can get from the +revelation of a landscape or a human countenance. + +ESTELLA: But that is in the nature of the case and cannot be altered. + +SOPHIA: But it could be altered, if men would only become clear on one +point. 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 +art. Yet these same powers have implanted in man a desire to continue +to work upon creation in a certain sense, in order to give to the +world what these powers have not yet placed before the senses. In +all that man can create, the original powers of creation have left +nature incomplete. Why should he reproduce her imperfections in an +imperfect form, when he has the ability to change that imperfection +into perfection? 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 art. This perception of an imperfect +reproduction of some obvious truth must needs produce distress. On +the other hand, the least perfect representation of what is concealed +behind the outwardly observed phenomenon may prove a revelation. + +ESTELLA: You are really talking of something that nowhere exists. No +true artist really tries to give a bare reproduction of nature. + +SOPHIA: That is just why so many works of art are imperfect; for the +creative function leads of itself beyond nature, and the artist cannot +know the appearance of what is outside his senses. + +ESTELLA: I see no possibility of our coming to any understanding +with one another on this point. It is indeed sad that, in these +most important problems of the soul, my best friend follows views +so different from my own. I hope our friendship may yet fall on +better days. + +SOPHIA: On such a point we shall surely be able to accept whatever +life may bring us. + +ESTELLA: Au revoir, dear Sophy. + +SOPHIA: Good-bye, dear Estelle. + +Curtain + + + + + + +SCENE 8 + + +Same room as for Scene 1. Johannes at an easel, before which Capesius, +Maria, and Strader are also seated. + +JOHANNES: + + I think those are the final touches now, + And feel that I may call my work complete. + Especial pleasure hath it given me + Thy nature to interpret through mine art. + +CAPESIUS: + + This picture is a marvel unto me + And its creator a still greater one. + For naught, which men like me have up till now + Considered possible, can be compared + With this change that hath taken place in thee. + One only can believe, when actual sight + Compels belief. We met three years ago; + And I was then allowed to count myself + A member of that small community, + In which thou didst attain thine excellence. + A man of sad demeanour wast thou then, + Witness each glance and aspect of thy face. + Once did I hear a lecture in thy group, + And at the end felt urged to add thereto + Words that were wrenched with pain from out my soul. + I spake in such a mood wherein one doth + Think almost always of oneself alone; + And none the less my gaze did ever rest + Upon that painter, whelmed 'neath sorrow's load, + Who sat and kept still silence, far apart. + Silent he pondered in a fashion strange, + And one might well believe that he heard not + A single word of all those spoken near. + The sorrow unto which he gave himself + Seemed of itself to have a separate life; + It seemed as though the man himself heard not, + But rather that his very grief had ears: + It is perhaps not inappropriate + To say he was by sorrow quite obsessed. + Soon after that day did we meet again, + And even then there was a change in thee; + For happiness did beam forth from thine eyes; + Within thy nature power did dwell again, + And noble fire did ring in all thy words. + Thou didst express a wish to me that day-- + Which seemed to me most strange and curious-- + To be my pupil didst thou then desire. + And of a truth thou hast throughout these years + With utmost diligence absorbed thyself + In all I had to say on world events. + And, as we grew more intimate, I then + Did know the riddle of thine artist life, + And each new picture proved a fresh surprise. + 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 mind. + But now I must admit that them hast changed + My point of view. I hear thee oft repeat + That thine artistic skill depends alone + Upon the gift to function consciously + In other worlds; and that thou canst implant + Naught in thy work but what thou hast first seen + In spirit worlds: indeed thy works do show + How spirit stands revealed in actual life. + +STRADER: + + Never so little have I understood + Thy speech; for surely in all artists' work + The living spirit is thus manifest. + How therefore doth thy friend, Thomasius, + Differ from other masters in his art? + +CAPESIUS: + + Ne'er have I doubted that the spirit shows + Itself in man, who none the less remains + Unconscious of its nature. He creates + Through this same spirit, but perceives it not. + Thomasius however doth create + In worlds of sense what he in spirit-realms + Can consciously behold; and many times + Hath he assured me, that, for men like him, + No other method of creation serves. + +STRADER: + + Thomasius is a marvel unto me, + And freely I admit this picture here + Hath first revealed to me in his true self + Capesius, whom I thought I knew full well. + In thought I knew him; but his work doth show + How little of him I had really known. + +MARIA: + + How comes it, doctor, that thou canst admire + The greatness of this work so much, and yet + Canst still deny the greatness of its source? + +STRADER: + + What hath my wonder at the artist's work + In common with my faith in spirit-sight? + +MARIA: + + One can indeed admire a work, e'en when + One hath no faith in that which is its source; + Yet in this case there would be naught to rouse + Our admiration, had this artist not + Trodden the path that led to spirit-life. + +STRADER: + + Yet still we must not say that whosoe'er + Doth to the spirit wholly give himself + Will consciously be guided by its power. + The spirit power creates in artists' souls, + E'en as it works within the trees and stones: + Yet is the tree not conscious of itself. + And only he, who sees it from without, + Can recognize the spirit's work therein. + So too each artist lives within his work + And not in spiritual experience. + But when mine eyes now on this picture fall, + I do forget all that allures to thought; + The very soul-force of my friend doth gleam + From out those eyes, and yet--they are but paint! + The seeker's thoughtfulness dwells on that brow; + And e'en his noble warmth of words doth stream + From all the colour-tones with which thy brush + Hath solved the mystery of portraiture. + Ah, these same colours, surely they are flat! + And yet they are not; they seem visible + Only to vanish straightway from my sight. + The moulding too doth seem like colour's work; + And yet it tells of spirit intertwined + In every line, and many things besides, + That are not of itself.--Where then is that + Whereof it speaks? Not on the canvas there, + Where only spirit-barren colours lie. + Is it then in Capesius himself? + But why can I perceive it not in him? + Thomasius, thou hast so painted here + That what is painted doth destroy itself, + The moment that the eye would fathom it. + I cannot grasp whereto it urgeth me. + What must I grasp from it? What should I seek? + I fain would pierce this canvas through and through + To find what I must seek within its depths; + To find where I may grasp all that which streams + From this same picture into my soul's core. + I must attain it.--Oh--deluded fool! + It seems as though some ghost were haunting me, + A ghost I cannot see, nor have I power + Which doth enable me to focus it. + Thou dost paint ghostly things, Thomasius, + Ensnaring them by magic in your work. + They do allure us on to seek for them, + And yet they never let themselves be found. + Oh--how I find your pictures horrible! + +CAPESIUS: + + My friend, in this same moment hast thou lost + The thinker's peace of mind. Consider now, + If from this picture some ghost speaks to thee + Then I myself must surely ghostly be. + +STRADER: + + Forgive me, friend, 'twas weakness on my part. + +CAPESIUS: + + Ah, speak but good, not evil, of this hour! + For though thou seemed'st to have lost thyself, + Yet in reality thou wast upraised + Far, far above thyself; and thou didst feel, + Even as I myself full oft have felt. + At such times, howsoe'er one feels oneself + Strong-armoured at all points with logic's might, + One can but be convinced that one is seized + By some strange power that can have origin + Not in sense-knowledge or sense-reasoning. + Who hath endowed this picture with such power? + To me it seems the symbol in sense-life + Of soul-experiences gained thereby. + It hath taught me to recognize my soul, + As never heretofore seemed possible; + And most convincing this self-knowledge proved. + Thomasius did search me through and through: + For unto him was given power to pierce + Through sense-appearance unto spirit-self. + With his developed sight he penetrates + To spirit verity; and thus for me + Those ancient words of wisdom: 'Know thyself,' + In new light do appear. To know ourselves + E'en as we are, we must first find that power + Within ourselves, which, as true spirit, doth + Conceal itself from us in our own selves. + +MARIA: + + We must, to find ourselves, that power unfold + Which can pierce through into our very souls: + And truly do these words of wisdom speak-- + Unfold thyself and thou shalt find thyself. + +STRADER: + + If we admit now, that Thomasius + Hath through th' unfolding of his spirit power, + Attained to knowledge of that entity, + That dwells, invisible, in each of us, + Then must we say that on each plane of life + Knowledge doth differ. + +CAPESIUS: + + So would I maintain. + +STRADER: + + If matters thus do stand, then is all thought + Nothing: all learning but illusory; + And every moment I must lose myself.... + Oh, do leave me alone.... + +(Exit.) + +CAPESIUS: + + I'll go with him. + +(Exit.) + +MARIA: + + Capesius is nearer far today + To spirit lore, than he himself doth think; + And Strader suffers deeply. What his soul + So hotly craves, his spirit cannot find. + +JOHANNES: + + The inner nature of these two did stand + Already then before my spirit's eye + When first I dared to tread the realm of souls. + As a young man I saw Capesius, + And Strader in the years he hath not reached + By some long span as yet. Capesius + Did show a youthful promise which conceals + Much that this life will not allow to come + To due fruition in the realms of sense. + I was attracted to his inner self: + In his soul's essence I could first behold + What is the essential kernel of a man; + And how a man's peculiarities + In earthly life do manifest themselves + As consequences of some former life. + I saw the struggles that he overcame, + Which in his other lives had origin, + And which have shaped his present mode of life. + I could not see his death-discarded selves + With my soul's vision, yet I did perceive + Within his nature that which could not rise + From his surroundings as they are today. + Thus in the picture I could reproduce, + What dwells within the basis of his soul. + My brush was guided by the powers, which he + Unfolded in his former lives on earth. + If thus I have revealed his inmost self, + My picture will have served the aim, which I + Did purpose for it in my thought: for as + A work of art I do not rate it high. + +MARIA: + + It will confirm its work within that soul + Which it hath showed the path to spirit-realms. + +Curtain falls whilst Maria and Johannes are still in the room + + + + + + +SCENE 9 + + +Same region as in Scene 2. From rocks and springs resounds: 'O man, +feel thou thyself.' + +JOHANNES: + + O man, feel thou thyself! For three long years + I have sought strength of soul, with courage winged, + Which doth give truth unto these words, whereby + A man may free himself to conquer first; + Then conquering himself may freedom find + Through these same words: 'O man, feel thou thyself.' + +(From rocks and springs resounds: 'O man, feel thou thyself.') + + I note their presence in mine inmost soul, + Their whispered breathing thrills my spirit-ear; + And hid within themselves they bear the hope, + That they will grow and lead man's spirit up, + Out of his narrow self to world-wide space, + E'en as a giant oak mysteriously + Builds his proud body from an acorn small. + Spirit can cause to live in its own self + All weaving forms of water and of air, + And all that doth make hard the solid earth. + Man too can grasp whate'er hath ta'en firm hold + Of being, in the elements, in souls, + In time, in spirits and eternity. + The whole world's essence lies in one soul's core, + When such power in the spirit roots itself, + Which can give truth unto these selfsame words: + O man, experience and feel thyself-- + +(From rocks and springs resounds: 'O man, feel thou thyself.') + + I feel them sounding in my very soul, + Rousing themselves to grant me strength and power. + The light doth live in me; the brightness speaks + Around me; soul light germinates in me; + The brightness of all worlds creates in me: + O man, experience and feel thyself; + +(From rocks and springs resounds: 'O man, feel thou thyself.') + +JOHANNES: + + I find myself secure on every side, + Where'er these words of power do follow me. + They will give light in sense-life's darkened ways: + They will sustain me on the spirit-heights: + Soul-substance will they pour into my heart + Through all the æons of eternity. + I feel the essence of the worlds in me, + And I must find myself in all the worlds. + I gaze upon the nature of my soul, + Which mine own power hath vivified; I rest + Within myself; I look on rocks and springs; + They speak the native language of my soul. + I find myself again within that soul, + Into whose life I brought such bitter grief; + And out of her I call unto myself: + 'Thou must find me again and ease my pain.' + The spirit-light will give to me the strength + To live this other self in its own self. + Oh hopeful words, ye stream forth strength to me + From all the worlds: O man, feel thou thyself. + +(From rocks and springs resounds: 'O man, feel thou thyself.') + +JOHANNES: + + Ye make me feel my feebleness, and yet + Ye place me near the highest aims of gods; + And blissfully I feel creative power + From these high aims in my weak, earthly form. + And out of mine own Self shall stand revealed + Those powers, whereof the germ lies hid in me. + And I will give myself unto the world + By living out mine own essential life; + Yea, all the might of these words will I feel, + Which sound within me softly at the first. + They shall become for me a quickening fire + In my soul-powers and on my spirit-paths. + I feel how now my very thought doth pierce + To deep-concealed foundations of the world; + And how it streams through them with radiant light. + E'en thus doth work the fructifying power + Of these same words: O man, feel thou thyself. + +(From rocks and springs resounds: 'O man, feel thou thyself!') + + From heights of light a being shines on me, + And I feel wings to lift myself to him: + I too will free myself, like all those souls, + Who conquered self. + +(From springs and rocks resounds: 'O man, feel thou thyself.') + + That being do I see + Whom I would fain be like in future times. + The spirit in me shall grow free, through thee + Sublime example, I will follow thee. + +(Enter Maria) + +JOHANNES: + + The spirit-beings, who did take me up, + Have woken now the vision of my soul. + And as I gaze into the spirit worlds, + I feel in mine own self the quickening power + Of these same words: O man, feel thou thyself. + +(From springs and rocks resounds: 'O man, feel thou thyself!') + +JOHANNES: + + Thou here, my friend? + +MARIA: + + My soul did urge me here. + I saw thy star shining in fullest strength. + +JOHANNES: + + This strength can I experience in myself. + +MARIA: + + So closely are we one, that thy soul's life + Allows its light to shine forth in my soul. + +JOHANNES: + + Maria, then thou also art aware + Of what has just revealed itself to me. + Man's first conviction has just come to me, + And I have gained the certainty of self. + I feel that power to guide me everywhere + Lies in these words: O man, feel thou thyself. + +(From rocks and springs resounds: 'O man, feel thou thyself!') + +Curtain + + + + + + +SCENE 10 + + +A room for meditation as in Scene 3. + +THEODOSIUS (in spirit-garb): + + Now canst thou feel all worlds within thyself: + So now feel me as love-power of all worlds. + A nature, that is lighted up by me, + Feels its own being's power enhanced, whene'er + It gives itself to give another joy. + Thus do I work with true creative joy + To build the worlds. Without me none can live, + And naught without my strength can e'er exist. + +JOHANNES: + + So thou dost stand before my spirit's eye, + Joy-giver of all worlds. My spirit's strength + Doth feel creative joy, when I behold + Thee as the fruit of self-experience. + Within the temple to my spirit's eye + Once didst thou show thyself, yet at that time + I knew not whether dream or truth appeared. + But now the scales have fallen from mine eyes, + Which kept the spirit's light concealed from me: + I know now that thou really dost exist. + I will reveal thy nature in my deeds; + And they shall work salvation through thy power. + To Benedictus too I owe deep thanks: + Through wisdom hath he given me the strength + To turn my spirit's sight unto thy world. + +THEODOSIUS: + + Feel me in thy soul-depths, and bear my power + To all the worlds. Thus, serving Love's behests + Thou shalt experience true blessedness. + +JOHANNES: + + I feel thy presence through its warming light; + I feel creative power arise in me. + +(Theodosius disappears.) + + He hath departed: but he will return + And give me strength from out the springs of love. + His light can disappear but for awhile; + Then, in its own existence, it lives on. + I can resign myself unto my Self, + And feel Love's very self in mine own soul: + By Love uplifted I can feel my Self: + Love shall through me reveal himself to man. + +(He grows uncertain, as is gradually made manifest by his gestures.) + + Yet how shall I experience myself? + It seems some spirit-being draweth near. + Since I was counted worthy to receive + The spirit's sight, I feel it ever thus, + When evil powers desire to seize on me. + Yet, come what may, I have strength to resist; + For I can feel myself within my Self; + Which quickening words give strength invincible. + Yet now most strong resistance do I feel: + Well may it be the fiercest of all foes: + But let him come, for he will find me armed. + + Thou foe of Good; 'tis surely thine own self! + For near me I can feel thy potent strength. + I know thou dost desire to rend in twain + Whate'er has wrenched itself from thy control. + But I shall strengthen in me that new strength, + Wherein thou canst have neither part nor lot. + +(Benedictus appears.) + +JOHANNES: + + O Benedictus, fount of my new life! + It is not possible. It cannot be. + Nay, nay, it cannot be thyself. Thou art + Some vain illusion. Oh, revive in me + Ye good powers of my soul, and straightway crush + This phantom image, that would mock at me! + +BENEDICTUS: + + Ask of thy soul now, whether it can feel, + What through these years my nearness meant to it. + Through me the fruits of wisdom grew for thee; + And wisdom only now can lead thee on, + And fend from error in the spirit's realm. + So now experience me within thyself. + Yet wouldst thou go still further, thou must then + Enter that way, which to my temple leads. + And if my wisdom is to guide thee still + To loftier heights, it must flow from that spot + Where with my brethren close conjoined I work. + The strength of truth I gave to thee myself; + And if this kindles power from its own fire + Within thyself, then shalt thou find the way. + +(Exit.) + +JOHANNES: + + Oh, he doth leave me. How shall I decide + Whether I have some phantom form dispelled, + Or if reality hath left me now? + + Yet do I feel in me my strength renewed. + 'Twas no illusion, but the man himself. + I will experience thee within myself, + O Benedictus, for thou gav'st me power, + Which, growing of itself within myself, + Taught me to sever error from the truth. + And yet to vain illusion I succumbed: + 1 felt a shudd'ring fear at thine approach; + And could consider thee a fantasy, + When thou didst stand before my very eyes. + +(Theodosius appears.) + +THEODOSIUS: + + From all illusion thou shalt free thyself, + When thou dost fill thyself with mine own strength: + To me could Benedictus lead thy steps, + But thine own wisdom now must be thy guide. + If thou dost only live what he hath put + Within thee, then thou canst not live thyself. + In freedom strive unto the heights of light; + And for this striving now receive my strength. + +(Exit.) + +JOHANNES: + + How glorious these words of thine do sound! + I must now live them out within myself. + From all illusion they will set me free, + If they but fill my nature to the full. + + Work on then further in my soul's deep core, + Ye words, sublime and grand! Ye surely must + Proceed from out the temple's shrine alone, + Since Benedictus' brother uttered you. + I feel already how ye mount within + Mine inmost being. + + Soon shall ye resound + From out my very Self, that I may read + Your meaning rightly. Spirit, that doth dwell + Within me, forth from thy concealment come! + Now in thine own true nature show thyself! + I feel thy near approach: thou must appear. + +(Lucifer and Ahriman appear.) + +LUCIFER: + + O man, know me. O man, feel thou thyself. + From spirit guidance hast thou freed thyself, + And into earth's free realms thou hast escaped. + Midst earth's confusion thou didst seek to prove + Thine own existence; and to find thyself + Was thy reward. So now use this reward. + In spirit-ventures keep thyself secure. + In the wide realms on high a being strange + Thou shalt discover, who to human lot + Will fetter thee, and will oppress thee too. + A man, feel thou thyself: O man, know me. + +AHRIMAN: + + O man, know thou thyself: O man, feel me. + From spirit darkness hast thou now escaped; + And thou hast found again the light of earth. + So now from my sure ground draw strength and truth. + The solid earth do I make hard and fast: + Yet canst thou also lose that certainty. + Weak hesitation can e'en now destroy + The power of being, and thou canst misuse + The spirit-strength e'en in the heights of light. + Thou canst be rent in twain within thyself. + O man, feel me. O man, know thou thyself. + +(Exit with Lucifer.) + +JOHANNES: + + What meaneth this? First Lucifer arose + From me, and Ahriman did follow him. + Doth now some new illusion haunt my soul, + Although I prayed so ardently for truth? + Hath Benedictus' brother roused in me + Only those powers, which in the souls of men + Do but create illusion and deceit? + +(The following is a spirit voice coming from the heights.) + +SPIRIT: + + To founts of world primeval + Thy surging thoughts do mount. + What unto illusion urged, + What in error held thee fast, + Appeareth to thee now in spirit-light. + Through whose fulness seeing, + Mankind doth think in truth; + Through whose fulness striving, + Mankind doth live in Love. + +Curtain + + + + + + +SCENE 11 + + +The Temple of the Sun. Hidden site of the mysteries of the Hierophants. + +Capesius and Strader appear as in Scene 4. + +RETARDUS (to Capesius and Strader before him): + + Ye have brought bitter grief to me, my friends. + The office which I did entrust to you + Ye have administered with ill success. + I call you now before my judgment seat. + To thee, Capesius, I did entrust + Full measure of the spirit, that ideas + Of mankind's upward striving might compose, + With graceful words, the content of thy speech, + Which should have worked convincingly on man. + Then thine activity I did direct + Into those gatherings of men, wherein + Thou didst Johannes and Maria meet. + Their tendency towards the spirit-sight + Thou shouldst have superseded by the power + Which thy words should have exercised on them. + Instead of that thou didst thyself give up + Unto the influence which flows from them.-- + And to thee, Strader, did I show the way + That leads to scientific certainty. + Thou hadst by rigid thinking to destroy + The magic power that comes from spirit-sight. + But yet thou lackedst feeling's certain touch. + The power of thought did slip away from thee, + When opportunity for conquest came. + My fate is close-entwinéd with your deeds, + Through you are these two seekers after truth + Now lost for evermore from my domain; + For to the brethren I must give their souls. + +CAPESIUS: + + Thy trusty messenger I could not be. + Thou gav'st me power to picture human life; + And I could well portray whate'er inspired + The souls of men at this time or at that: + But yet it was impossible for me + To gift my words, which painted but the past, + With power to fill and satisfy men's souls. + +STRADER: + + The weakness which must needs befall me too + Was but a true reflection of thine own. + Knowledge indeed thou couldst give to me: + But not the power to still that yearning voice, + Which strives for truth in every yearning heart. + Deep in mine inmost soul I none the less + Felt other powers continually arise. + +RETARDUS: + + See now then what result your weakness brings. + The brethren are approaching with those souls + In whom they will o'erthrow my power. E'en now + Johannes and Maria feel their might. + +(Enter Benedictus with Lucifer and Ahriman; behind them Johannes +and Maria.) + +BENEDICTUS (to Lucifer): + + Johannes' and Maria's souls have now + No longer room for blind unseeing power: + To spirit-life they have been lifted up. + +LUCIFER: + + Then must I straightway from their souls depart. + The wisdom unto which they have attained, + Doth give them power to see me, and my sway + O'er souls of men doth only last so long + As I remain invisible to them. + Yet doth the power continue which hath been + From the creation of the worlds mine own. + And though I cannot tempt their souls, yet still + My power will cause within their spirit-life + Most beauteous fruits, to ripen and endure. + +BENEDICTUS (to Ahriman): + + Johannes' and Maria's souls have now + Destroyed all error's darkness in themselves; + And spirit-sight hath been revealed to them. + +AHRIMAN: + + I must indeed renounce their spirits then; + For they will turn henceforth unto the light. + Yet one thing hath not yet been ta'en from me; + With sense-appearance to delight their souls. + And though no longer they will deem it truth, + Yet will they see how truth it doth reveal. + +(Enter the Other Maria.) + +THEODOSIUS (to the Other Maria): + + Close intertwinéd was thy destiny + With thine exalted sister's loftier life: + The light of love I could impart to her: + But not the warmth of love, so long as thou + Didst always let thy noblest impulses + From dim sensations only rise in thee, + And didst not strive to see them clear and bold + In the full light of wisdom's certainty. + The influence of the Temple does not reach + Unto the nature of vague impulses, + E'en though such impulse wills to work for good. + +THE OTHER MARIA: + + I needs must recognize that noble thought + Can only work salvation in the light. + So to the temple I now wend my way. + My own emotion shall in future times + Not rob the light of love of its results. + +THEODOSIUS: + + Through this, thine insight, thou dost give me power + To make Maria's soul-light on the earth + Run smooth and evenly upon its path: + For aye aforetime it must lose its might + In souls, such as thine own was heretofore, + Which would not unify their light with love. + +JOHANNES (to the Other Maria): + + I see in thee the nature of that soul, + Which also holdeth sway within mine own. + 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 apart. + The sacrifice which to the temple's shrine + Thou bring'st, shall be repeated in my soul. + Therein the warmth of love shall sacrifice + Itself unto love's wonder-working light. + +MARIA: + + Johannes, in the realm of spirit-life + Thou hast attained to knowledge through myself. + To spirit knowledge thou canst only add + True soul-existence, when thou findest too + Thine own soul, as thou didst find mine before. + +(Enter Philia, Astrid, and Luna.) + +PHILIA: + + Then from the whole creation of the worlds + The joy of souls shall be revealed to thee. + +ASTRID: + + From thine whole being then can be outpoured + The light and radiance of the warmth of souls. + +LUNA: + + Then shalt thou dare to live out thine own self, + When such light can illuminate thy soul. + +(Enter Felix and Felicia Balde.) + +ROMANUS (to Felix Balde): + + Long hast thou from the temple held thyself. + Thou only wouldst admit enlightenment, + When light from thine own soul revealed itself. + Men of thy nature rob me of the power + To give my light unto men's souls on earth. + They wish to draw from darksome depths alone, + What they should freely offer unto life. + +FELIX BALDE: + + Yet 'twas man's own illusion in itself, + That brought me light from out the darkest depths: + And let me to the temple find my way. + +ROMANUS: + + The fact that thou hast hither found thy way + Gives me the power to give light to the will + Of both Johannes and Maria here. + That it no more may follow forces blind, + But from world-aims henceforth direct itself. + +MARIA: + + Johannes, thou hast seen thine own self now + In spirit in myself. Thou shalt live out + Thine own existence as a spirit, when + The world's light can behold itself in thee. + +JOHANNES (to Felix Balde): + + In thee, good brother Felix, do I see + That soul-power which did hold my will fast bound + In its own spirit. Thou wouldst find the way + Unto the temple: with the strength of will + Within my spirit I would fain point out + The path unto the temple of the soul. + +RETARDUS: + + Johannes' and Maria's souls e'en now + Escape from my domain: how then shall they + Discover all that springs forth from my might? + So long as they did lack within their souls + The fundaments of learning, they did still + Find joy and pleasure in my gifts, but now + I see myself compelled to let them go. + +FELICIA: + + That man without thine aid, may fire himself + To rational thought, that have I shown to thee + From me a learning streams that dare bear fruit. + +JOHANNES: + + This learning shall be wedded to the light, + Which from this temple's source can fill men's souls. + +RETARDUS: + + Capesius, my son, thou art now lost. + Thou hast withdrawn thyself from my domain + Before the temple's light can shine for thee. + +BENEDICTUS: + + He hath begun the path. He feels the light. + And he will win the strength to search and know + In his own soul all that, which up till now + Good Dame Felicia hath produced for him. + +STRADER: + + Then I alone seem lost, for of myself + I cannot cast all doubts from out my heart; + And surely I shall never find again + The way that doth unto the temple lead. + +THEODORA: + + From out thine heart a glow of light spreads forth; + A human image now is born therefrom; + And I can hear the words, which do proceed + From this same human form. E'en thus they sound: + 'I have achieved the power to reach the light.' + My friend, trust thou thyself! These very words, + When thy time is fulfilled, thyself shalt speak. + +Curtain + + + + + + + + + +THE SOUL'S PROBATION + + +SUMMARY OF THE SCENES + + +Scene 1: Capesius. His occult exercises and his despair. + +Scene 2: Meditation chamber the same as Scenes 3 and 10 of Play +1. Benedictus warns Maria that Johannes must be free. She resolves +to look back upon past incarnations. + +Scene 3: Johannes and his painting. Maria resolves not to hinder his +freedom by her love. + +Scene 4: As Scene 1. Capesius and Strader. + +Scene 5: Capesius at the Balde's cottage. Dame Felicia's +fable. Johannes and his double. + +Scene 6: The 14th century. The meadows by the Castle of the Mystic +Knights. Country folk. The Jew. Thomas confesses to the Monk his love +for Keane's daughter. + +Scene 7: Same period. The Interior of the Castle. The Grand Master +and Council. The Monk's demand. The apparition of his late Master, +Benedictus. + +Scene 8: Same period. Keane has discovered that Thomas and his +sweetheart are the children of the 1st Preceptor and informs the 1st +Preceptor of the fact. The scene closes with a discussion on evolution, +and the inspired warning of the Second Master of Ceremonies. + +Scene 9: Same period. The Keanes. Dame Keane's fable. The Country +folk. Thomas and Cecilia. + +Scene 10: Scene same as Scene 5. The return to the present +day. Explanation of Scenes 6 to 9. + +Scene 11: Meditation chamber as in Scene 2. Maria defeats Ahriman. + +Scene 12: The same. Johannes and Lucifer. + +Scene 13: The Temple of the Sun. Destiny. + + + + + + +PERSONS, FORMS, 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 Initiation," and the events related +occur several years later. + + Benedictus } + Theodosius } Hierophants of the Temple of the Sun. + Romanus } + Professor Capesius. + Philia } The spiritual beings who facilitate the connection + Astrid } between the Soul and the Cosmos. They are not + Luna } allegorical, but are realities for the spirit Seer. + The Other Philia, The spiritual being who hinders the connection + between the Soul and the Cosmos. + The Voice of Conscience, not allegorical, but a reality, for the + spirit Seer. + Maria. + Johannes Thomasius. + Doctor Strader. + Felix Balde. + Felicia, his wife. + The 'Double' of Johannes Thomasius. + Lucifer. + Ahriman. + +The events of the Sixth to the Ninth Scenes contain the spiritual +vision of Capesius into his former life. Maria and Johannes share +the experiences at the same time; but Strader's former incarnation +is only seen by Capesius, Maria, and Johannes. + +These scenes back into the fourteenth century are conceived as +results of imaginative cognition, and in the physical world are only +recognizable by their effect. The way in which a life is repeated +(from occurrences of the fourteenth century into the present day) +should not be taken arbitrarily, but merely as what may happen at any +turning point of time. These conflicts and consequences of a former +life are only possible at such a time. + +The Vision of Capesius into the Fourteenth Century + + The Spirit of Benedictus. + The Grand Master, chief of a branch of mystic brotherhood. + First Preceptor, of the mystic brotherhood. (A former incarnation + of Professor Capesius.) + Second Preceptor, of the mystic brotherhood. + First Master of the Ceremonies, of the mystic brotherhood. + Second Master of the Ceremonies, of the mystic brotherhood. + Simon, the Jew (a former incarnation of Dr. Strader). + Thomas (a former incarnation of Johannes Thomasius). + A Monk (a former incarnation of Maria). + Joseph Keane (a former incarnation of Felix Balde). + His Wife (a former incarnation of Felicia Balde). + Bertha, their daughter (a former incarnation of the Other Maria). + Cecilia, their foster-daughter (a former incarnation of Theodora). + Six Country Men, and + Six Country Women. + +Note on the Costumes Worn (see also notes to the "Portal of +Initiation"). The knights are in chain armour and dark blue robes of +their order, with a white Maltese cross on their mantle and on their +tunic. The mantle of the Grand Master is crimson; his tunic is white +with a red cross. Their blue caps and the Grand Master's red cap +are flat and triangular. The apparition of Benedictus in Scene 7, +is in pink peach blossom colour. 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 scene. + + + + + + + + + +THE SOUL'S PROBATION + + +SCENE 1 + + +The library and study of Capesius. Prevailing colour brown. +Evening. First Capesius, then the Spirit-Forms who are powers +of soul; later Benedictus. + +CAPESIUS (reading in a book): + + 'By inward gazing on the Beingless, + And dreaming through the shadowy picture realm + Of thought, conformably to self-made laws:-- + Thus erring human nature often seeks + To find the meaning and the goal of life: + The soul from its own depths would draw replies + To questions that concern the universe. + Yet such attempts are vain, illusory + E'en at the outset, and they lead at last + To feeble visions which destroy themselves.' + +(Speaking as follows.) + + Thus is portrayed in words of import grave + Through Benedictus' noble spirit-sight, + The inward life of many human souls. + Each phrase goes home destructive to my heart-- + Unfolding truly mine own way and life + Until this day, with cruel vividness. + And should a god this very hour appear + Descending on me in a raging storm + And clad in wrath, yet could his threatening might + Not torture me with more appalling fears + Than do the Master's words, as strong as fate. + Long hath my life been, 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 mind. + With this dream-fabric hath my thought essayed + To solve the riddle of the universe. + Down many a path my restless soul I turned. + Yet do I clearly see that I myself, + Was not the active master of my soul + When threads of thought along illusion's path + Spun themselves out to cosmic distances. + + So that which I in my content beheld + In pictures, left me empty, led to naught. + Then came across my path Thomasius, + The youthful painter. He indeed strode on, + Upheld by truest energies of soul + To that exalted spiritual way + Which transforms human life, and makes to rise + From hidden gulfs of soul the energy + Which feeds the springs of life within ourselves. + That which awoke from out his inmost soul + Abides in every man. And since from him + I gained this revelation, I do count + As chief amongst the many sins of life + To let the spirit's treasure grow corrupt. + + I know henceforth that I must search and seek + And nevermore allow myself to doubt. + In days gone by my vanity of thought + Could have enticed me to the false belief + That unto knowledge man aspires in vain; + And only failure and despair belong + To those who would lay bare the springs of life. + + And were all wisdom to unite in this, + 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 nothingness, + Yet would I make the venture unafraid. + Such thoughts would be a sacrilege today, + Since I have learned I cannot win repose + Until the spirit treasure in my soul + Hath been unveiléd to the light of day. + + The fruits of work of spirit-entities + Have been implanted in the human soul, + And whoso leaves the spirit seed to lie + Unheeded and decay, he brings to nought + The work divine committed unto man. + Thus do I recognize life's highest task; + Yet when I try to take one single step + Across the threshold that I dare not shun, + I feel my strength desert me, which of yore + Did pride itself on elevated thought, + And sought the goals of life in time and space. + Once did I reckon it an easy thing + To set the brain in action and to grasp + The nature of reality by thought. + But now, when I would search the fount of life + And comprehend it as in truth it is, + My thought appears as some blunt instrument; + I have no power, no matter how I strive, + To form a clear thought-image from the words + Of Benedictus, though his earnest speech, + Should now direct me to the spirit's path. + +(Resuming his reading.) + + 'In silence sound the depths of thine own soul, + And ever let strong courage be thy guide. + Thy former ways of thinking cast away + What time thou dost withdraw into thyself; + For only when thine own light is put out + Will spirit-radiance show itself to thee.' + +(Resuming his soliloquy.) + + It seems as though I could not draw my breath + When I attempt to understand these words. + And ere I feel the thoughts that I must think, + Fear and misgiving have beset my soul. + It is borne in on me that everything + Which hitherto was my environment + Is crumbling into ruin, and therewith + I too am crumbling into nothingness. + An hundred times at least have I perused + The words which follow, and each several time + Darkness enfolds me deeper than before. + +(Resuming his reading.) + + 'Within thy thinking cosmic thought doth live, + Within thy feeling cosmic forces play, + Within thy will do cosmic beings work; + Abandon thou thyself to cosmic thought, + Experience thyself through cosmic force, + Create thyself anew from cosmic will. + End not at last in cosmic distances + By fantasies of dreamy thought beguiled. + Do thou begin in farthest spirit-realms + And end in the recesses of thy soul. + The plan divine then shalt thou recognize + When thou hast realized thy Self in thee.' + +(Becomes entranced by a vision, then comes to himself and speaks.) + + What was this? + +(Three Figures, representing soul-forces, float round him.) + +LUNA: + + Abundant power is thine + For lofty spirit-flight; + Its sure foundation rests + Upon the human will. + Its temper hath been tried + By sure and certain hope. + It hath grown strong as steel + By sight of future times. + Thou dost but courage lack + To pour into thy will + Thy confidence in life. + Into the vast Unknown + Dare but to venture forth! + +ASTRID: + + From cosmic distances + And from the sun's glad light, + From utmost realms of stars + And magic might of worlds, + From heaven's ethereal blue + And spirit's lofty power, + Win mightiness of soul; + And send its radiant beams + Deep down within thine heart; + That knowledge glowing warm + May thus be born in thee. + +THE OTHER PHILIA: + + They are deceiving thee + This evil sisterhood; + They seek but to ensnare + By trickery and guile. + The gifts so seeming fair + Which they have offered thee + Will vanish into air + When thou wouldst hold them fast + With all thy human strength. + They lead thee on to worlds + Inhabited by gods, + Where thou wilt be destroyed + If, once within their realm, + Thou strivest to o'ercome + By human strength alone. + +CAPESIUS: + + 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 place. + + 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 to.... + + Am I still he + I was before? + +(From his gestures it is plain he feels unable to reply 'yes.') + + Oh! I am--I am not. + +THE SPIRIT-VOICE OF CONSCIENCE: + + 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 thee, + Is lost in cosmic depth, + From whose fulness quaffing + Mankind doth live in thought; + From whose fulness living + Mankind illusion weaves. + +CAPESIUS: + + Enough.... Enough.... Where is Capesius? + You I implore ... ye forces all unknown.... + Where is Capesius? Where is ... myself? + +(Once more he relapses into a reverie.) + +(Enter Benedictus. Capesius does not notice him at first. Benedictus +touches him on the shoulder.) + +BENEDICTUS: + + I learned that thou didst wish to speak with me, + And so I came to seek thee in thy home. + +CAPESIUS: + + Right good it is of thee to grant my wish. + Yet it had scarce been possible that thou + Shouldst find me in worse case than now I am. + That I am not this moment on the ground + Prostrate before thy feet, after such pain + As even now hath racked my soul, I owe + To thy kind glance alone which sought mine own, + So soon as thou didst with thy gentle touch + Arouse me from the horrors of my dream. + +BENEDICTUS: + + I am aware that I have found thee now + Fighting a battle for thy very life. + Since I have known full well this long time past + That thus it was appointed us to meet. + 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 fortune. + +CAPESIUS: + + Then indeed + Thou dost but heap the measure of the woe + Which casts me into gloom's abysmal depths. + Just now I felt as if my real self + Had flown afar to cosmic distances, + And unfamiliar beings through its sheaths + Were speaking here. But this I took to be + Hallucination, spirit mockery, + And mourned that thus my soul could be deceived: + This thought alone kept me from breaking down. + Take not away my right thus to believe, + The only prop I lean on; tell me not + My fevered dreaming was good fortune; else + I shall be lost indeed. + +BENEDICTUS: + + A man can lose + Nought else but that which keeps him separate + From cosmic being. When he seems to lose + That which in dreamy fantasies of thought + He misapplied to labours purposeless, + Then let him seek for what has gone from him. + For he will surely find it, and withal + The proper use to which it should be put + In human life. Mere words of comfort now + Were nothing more than clever play on words. + +CAPESIUS: + + Nay--lore that may by simple human wit + Be comprehended thou dost not impart. + Bitter experience has shown me this. + Like deeds which lead one on to lofty heights + And also cast one to abysmal depths, + Thy counsels pour a stream of fiery life + And also deathly chill into men's souls. + They work at once e'en as the nod of fate + And also as a storm of living love. + Much had I sought and thought in earlier days + Before I met thee; yet the spirit's powers, + Creative and destructive, I have learned + Only since I have followed in thy steps. + The turmoil and confusion of my soul, + Caused by thy words, was evident when thou + Didst come within my chamber. Oft I felt + Much pain whilst reading in thy book of life, + Until today my cup of woe was full. + And so my agony of soul o'erflowed, + Spilled by thy fateful words. Their meaning swept + O'er all my soul unrecognized, and yet + Like some elixir they revived my heart. + In such wise wrought they in the magic worlds + That all my clarity of sense was lost. + Then ghostly phantoms made a mock of me, + And words of import dark I seemed to hear + Issue from my distraught tormented soul. + I know that all the secrets thou dost guard + For human souls may not be written down, + But that the answer to men's doubts may be + Revealed to each according to his need. + So grant me that of which I stand in need; + For verily I must indeed be told + What robbed me of my senses and my wits + And compassed me with magic's airy spells. + +BENEDICTUS: + + Another meaning hides within my words + Than that of the ideas which they convey; + They guide the natural forces of the soul + To spirit-verities; their inward sense + Cannot be understood until the day + On which they waken vision in the soul + That yields itself to their compelling power. + They are not fruitage of mine own research; + But spirits have entrusted them to me, + Spirits well skilled to read the signs in which + The Karma of the world doth stand revealed. + The special virtue of these words is this, + Unto the source of knowledge they can guide. + Yet none the less it must be each man's task, + Who understands them in their truest sense, + To drink the spirit-waters from that source. + Nor are my words designed to hinder thee + From being swept away to worlds that seem + To thee fantastic. Thou hast seen a realm + Which must remain illusion just as long + As thou dost lose thyself on entering it. + But wisdom's outer portal will be found + Unsealed to thine advancing soul so soon + As thou dost near it with self-consciousness. + +CAPESIUS: + + And how can I maintain self-consciousness? + +BENEDICTUS: + + The answer to this riddle thou shalt find + When, with awakened inner eye, thou dost + Perceive before thee many wondrous things, + Which shortly will be found to cross thy path. + Know that a test hath been ordained for thee + By lords of fate and by the spirit-powers. + +(Exit.) + +CAPESIUS: + + Although their meaning is not clear to me + I feel his words at work within myself. + He hath appointed me a goal; and I + Am ready to obey. He doth not ask + For stress of thought; it seems that he desires + I should press forward with exploring feet + To find the spirit-verities myself. + + I cannot tell how he was sent to me; + And yet his actions have compelled my trust; + He hath restored me to myself once more. + So though at present I may not divine + The nature of the spell that shook me so, + I will not shrink from facing these events + Which his prophetic vision hath foretold. + +Curtain whilst Capesius remains standing + + + + + + +SCENE 2 + + +A meditation chamber. Prevailing colour violet. Serious, but not +gloomy atmosphere. + +Benedictus, Maria, then the Spirit-Figures representing soul-powers. + +MARIA: + + Great conflicts in my soul bid me invoke + Wise counsel from my master in this hour. + Gloomy forebodings rise within my heart. + And I am powerless to withstand the thoughts + That overwhelm me ever and again. + They pierce me to my being's inmost core; + They seek to lay upon me a command + Which to obey doth seem like sacrilege. + Deceitful powers must be obsessing me; + Oh, I implore thee--lend me aid ... that I + May exorcise them. + +BENEDICTUS: + + Never shalt thou lack + What thou dost need of me at any time. + +MARIA: + + I know how closely to my soul are knit + Johannes' life and aims. A stony road + Of fate brought us together; and God's will + Hath hallowed in high spirit-realms our bond. + All this stands out before me e'en as clear + As only truth itself can be. 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 down: + 'Thou must give up Johannes, let him go. + No longer mayst thou keep him at thy side + If thou wouldst not work evil to his soul. + Alone he must proceed along the road + On which he travels to his longed for goal.' + I know that if thou dost but speak the word + This lying dream will cease to haunt my soul. + +BENEDICTUS: + + Maria, noble grief leads thee astray + To see the truth yet call it counterfeit. + +MARIA: + + What I have seen--is truth.... It cannot be! + Between my master's utterance and mine ear + Delusion steals. O speak to me again. + +BENEDICTUS: + + What I have spoken, thou hast heard aright: + Thy love is noble, and Johannes stands + Close-knit to thee. But love must not forget + That she is wisdom's sister. Long indeed + For his salvation hath Johannes been + With thee united. Now his soul demands, + For its own progress, freedom to pursue + Its aims unhindered. Fate doth not decree + That ye shall be no longer outward friends; + But this it doth demand with strict decree + Johannes' freedom in the spirit-realm. + +MARIA: + + Still do I hear delusion: so let me + Alone continue speaking, for I know + That thou must understand me without fail. + For sure it is no lying shape will dare + To change the words unto thine ear addressed. + My host of doubts were easily dispersed + If earth-life's tortuous course alone it were + That knits Johannes' soul unto mine own. + But to our bond was lofty sanction given + Which knits soul unto soul eternally. + And spirit-powers did speak with blessings meet + The word that bans all doubt for evermore: + 'He hath won truth within th' eternal realms + Because in worlds of sense his inmost self + Already was united with thine own.' + What can this revelation mean to me + If now its very opposite is true? + +BENEDICTUS: + + Thou hast to learn that even one to whom + There hath been much revealed, may yet be found + Lacking perfection still in divers ways. + Tangled the paths that lead to higher truth: ... + And only those may hope to reach the goal + Who walk in patience through their labyrinths. + Thou didst but see one part of what is real + In that great realm of everlasting light, + When with thine inner vision thou didst gaze + Upon a picture of the spirit-land. + Not yet hast thou seen full reality. + 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 one. + But nothing hitherto hath clearly shown + That thou hast conquered each and every test. + To see a picture hath been granted thee + Of what the future holds for thee in store + When thou canst pass unscathed the full ordeal. + That thou hast seen the ultimate reward + Of unremitting effort is no sign + That thou hast reached the end of all thy strife. + Thou hast beheld a picture, which thy will + Alone can turn unto reality. + +MARIA: + + Although thy words just spoken fall on me + Like bitter pain that follows hours of bliss, + There is at least one lesson I have learned, + Which is to bow my head to wisdom's light + When it doth prove itself through inward force. + Already something is becoming clear + Which up till now lay hidden in my heart. + But when in highest bliss delusion's snare + Doth wear the mask of truth to human minds, + Darkness of soul is difficult to ban. + I need still more than that which thou hast given + To plumb the depth of meaning in thy words. + 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 ago. + Thus was it granted me to learn the way + In which my soul was linked unto my friend's. + My act of bringing, in those days of old, + Johannes' soul unto the spirit-fount + I felt and recognized to be the seed + Which grew and bore such cherished friendship's fruit, + As was found ripe for all eternity. + +BENEDICTUS: + + Thou wast accounted worthy to retrace + Thy path on earth in days long since gone by. + 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 eye. + +MARIA (after a pause betokening deep reflection): + + How could I be so blinded, so misled? + The rapture which I felt on looking back + Over a period of bygone times + Deluded me to vain forgetfulness + Of manifold shortcomings. 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 mine. + To thee, my master, will I make my vow + Henceforth to bridle my soul's arrogance...! + Now for the first time do I realize + How pride of knowledge leads the soul astray; + So that, instead of its imbibing strength + From freely offered stores of spirit-wealth, + It misapplies the gift in wanton use + And only holds the mirror up to self. + I know at last from my heart's warning call, + To which thy words lend added power, how far + I am today e'en from the nearest goal. + No more will I be overswift to read + A meaning into words from spirit-lands. + I will esteem them power wherewith my soul + May shape its course--, not as some message sent + To free me from the need of finding out + The goal of action in my daily life. + Had I paid earlier heed unto this truth + And gone my way in due humility; + I had not failed to see that only then + When he decides to tread a path not traced + By me beforehand, can my friend unfold + To fullest bloom his richly-gifted soul. + And now that this is clear I shall not fail + In finding strength sufficient to fulfil + What love and duty may require of me. + Yet do I feel assured this very hour + More clearly than I ever was before + That some grave testing of my soul draws nigh. + For mostly, when men tear from out their hearts + That of themselves which in another lives, + Love hath been changed into its opposite. + Themselves they change the ties that coupled them, + Yet passion's impulse gives to them the power. + Whilst I must of mine own free will uproot + The workings of my soul's life, which I saw + Accomplishing themselves in my friend's acts; + And still unchanging must my love abide. + +BENEDICTUS: + + If thou wouldst steer thy course direct, thou must + Become aware of what thou most didst prize + In this thy love. For once thou knowst the force + That leads thee all unknown within thy soul, + Thou wilt find power to do what duty bids. + +MARIA: + + By saying this thou giv'st e'en now that aid + Of which my soul so sorely stands in need. + I must investigate mine inmost self + With earnest questioning: and so I ask, + What potent cause impels me in my love? + I see my own soul's life and strength at work + In my friend's nature and activities. + So that which I desire to satisfy + Is nothing but the hunger of myself, + Which I, deluded, call unselfishness. + Thus it hath been concealed from me till now + That in my friend I mirror but myself. + It was the dragon Selfishness who veiled + The truth from me in wrappings of deceit. + And selfishness can take an hundred forms:-- + I see it clearly now. And when one thinks + The enemy subdued, behold him rise + Out of defeat and stronger than before. + Moreover 'tis a foe with added skill + To hide the truth with cloak of counterfeit. + +(Maria sinks into deep thought.) + +(The three Spirit-Figures of the soul-powers appear.) + +MARIA: + + Ye sisters, whom I find in Being's depths + Whene'er my soul expands and guides herself + To cosmic distances, release for me + From out the ether's heights the powers of sight + And lead them hence to earthly paths, that I + May know myself as I exist in Time, + And may be able to direct my course + From Life's old ways unto new spheres of Will. + +PHILIA: + + From my heart's depths will I myself imbue + With soul's aspiring light; I will breathe deep + From spirit-forces living powers of Will; + That thou, beloved sister, mayest seek + And find the light in bygone spheres of life. + +ASTRID: + + With selfhood, conscious of itself, will I + Weave in the self-surrendering Will of love; + I will set free from fetters of desire + The budding powers of Will, and will transform + Thy crippled wish to spirit-certainty; + That thou, beloved sister, mayest learn + To find thyself in distant paths of life. + +LUNA: + + I will call self-denying powers of heart; + And will make firm enduring soul-repose; + Then shall they wed, and raise up spirit-light + In all its power from out the depths of soul. + Then shall they interpenetrate and force + Earth's bounds to heed the listening spirit-ear, + Compel earth's distances to answer. + That thou, beloved sister, mayest find + Life's varied traces in Time's vast expanse. + +MARIA (after a pause): + + If I can only tear myself away + From my bewildered consciousness of self + And give myself to you: that thus ye may + Reflect my very soul from cosmic space; + Then from this sphere of life I gain release, + And find myself in other states of being. + +(Long pause, then the following:) + + In you, my sisters, I see spirit-forms + In whom dwell cosmic souls. Ye have the power + To bring seed-forces from eternal realms + To fruitage in humanity itself. + Through my soul's gates oft have I found the way + Into your kingdom, and have there beheld + The primal shaping of this earthly globe + With inner vision. 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 humanity. + Release my soul from consciousness of self + In time-enclosed existence, and reveal + The duties laid on me by former lives. + +A SPIRIT-VOICE,--THE SPIRITUAL CONSCIENCE: + + Her thoughts are seeking now + For clues in Time's vast space. + What as debt she still doth owe, + What as duty is imposed, + Arise from out her inmost depths of soul, + From whose deepness dreaming + Mankind doth guide his life, + In whose deepness straying + Mankind himself doth lose. + +Curtain falls; everybody still standing on the stage + + + + + + +SCENE 3 + + +A room whose prevailing tint is rose-red, cheerful atmosphere. + +Johannes at an easel; Maria enters later; finally the Spirit-Figures +representing soul-powers. + +JOHANNES: + + Maria, when she saw my picture last, + Stood silent. Heretofore she ever gave + Hints to assist the progress of my work + From her rich store of wisdom manifold. + Little as I can trust myself to judge + Whether my art indeed accomplishes + The task our spirit-current hath imposed, + Yet is my confidence in her complete. + And ever through my spirit ring her words + Which lent me strength and brought me happiness + When I took courage and began this work. + 'In such a way as this,' she said, 'thou canst + Attempt this enterprise, and so reveal + Thy spirit's visions unto earthly eyes. + Thou wilt not fail to recognize how forms, + Fashioned like thoughts, shape matter to their will; + Nor yet how colour, to desire akin, + Doth fill thy vital energy with warmth. + In such wise canst thou even represent + On canvas through thy skill the higher realms.' + 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 me. + Full oft I sat discouraged at my work; + It seemed at one time so presumptuous, + And at another so impossible + To represent in colour and in form + The visions that are granted to my soul. + How can the ceaseless web of spirit-life, + Which is revealed to inner sight alone + And is so far withdrawn from outward sense, + Be manifest in matter which is drawn, + As drawn it must be, from the realm of sense? + This question have I asked myself full oft. + Yet when I banish personality, + And follow spirit-teaching faithfully, + And feel myself caught up in blessedness + Unto creative forces of the worlds, + At once belief awakens in an art + As true and mystic as our spirit-quest. + I learned to live with light, and recognize + In colour's power the action of that light, + As faithful students of true mystic lore + See in realms reft of colour and of form + The spirit's deeds and soul's reality. + Relying on this spirit-light, I won + This power to feel in flowing sea of light, + And live within the stream of glowing tints; + And sense those spirit-forces which maintain + Their might in non-material webs of light, + And radiant colours filled with spirit-life. + +(Enter Maria, unobserved by Johannes.) + + And when my courage faileth me, once more + Of thee, my friend most noble, do I think. + At thy soul's fire my love of work is warmed; + Thy spirit-light awakes my faith anew. + +(He sees Maria.) + + Oh, thou art here.... Impatiently I craved + Thy coming, yet I marked not thine approach! + +MARIA: + + I must rejoice to find my friend so wrapt + In work as to forget his friend herself. + +JOHANNES: + + Nay, speak not thus, since thou dost know full well + That I cannot create one single thought + Which hath not first been hallowed by thine aid. + No work of mine owes not its life to thee. + Through thy love's fire have I been purified; + Through thee my art hath learned to represent + The beauty of the truths revealed to thee, + Which warm my heart, illuminate my sense, + And clothe in radiant light the spirit-world. + The current of my work must take its rise + From thy soul's spring and flow thence into mine, + Ere I can feel the wings that lift me up + To lofty heights of spirit, far from earth. + I love the life that quickens in thy soul, + And, loving it, can give it form and hue. + Love only can beget artistic power + And make an artist's work bear fruit and live. + If I, as artist, am to carry back + Pictures of spirit to the world of sense, + Then cosmic spirit must speak forth through me, + My personality be but its tool. + I must first burst the bonds of selfishness + Ere I can know that I shall not mistake + For spirit-worlds my own vain fantasies. + +MARIA: + + And if thou hadst to seek through thine own sight + And not through mine the true source of thy work, + It might well be that, coming from one soul + Thy dream of beauty might be unified. + +JOHANNES: + + I should be spinning webs of idle thought + In speculating which I should prefer: + Whether to incarnate thy spirit-sight, + Or in myself to seek my vision's source.-- + I am convinced I could not find it thus. + + I can withdraw to deep retreats of soul + And find delight in wide-flung spirit-worlds: + I can be lost to all the world of sense + And follow colour-wonders with mine eye + And watch creative energies at work, + If I am left with mine own soul alone. + Whate'er may thus befall me I am not + Thereby impelled to my creative art. + But if I follow thee to cosmic heights, + And in warm rapture live again what thou + Already hast in spirit there beheld, + Then in my spirit-sight I feel a fire + Which burns on in me also, and whose flames + Kindle the powers that drive me to my work. + + If my desire were simply to relate + That which I can find out in higher worlds, + Then with my soul I well might upward soar + To spheres where spirit unto spirit speaks. + But as an artist I must find that fire + Which lights the picture and inflames the heart. + And my soul cannot to my picture give + The magic warmth that streams through human hearts, + Till it can quench its thirst with spirit-truths + Revealed from out the depths of thine own heart. + + How primal force by longing is condensed, + How powers creative blaze with spirit-light, + And, sensing even then their need of man, + Display themselves as gods in earliest times, + All this, my friend, thy soul in noble speech + Hath often led me on to learn unseen. + In hues ethereal of the spirit-world + I sought to densify what hid from sight; + And felt how colours longed to see themselves + Mirrored as spirit in the souls of men. + So doth my friend's soul speak as if 'twere mine + Out of my pictures to the human heart. + +MARIA: + + Bethink, Johannes, how the One Soul must-- + A personality apart from all-- + Evolve from out the womb of time. + Love serves to knit together separate souls + Not kill their individuality. + The moment is upon us, when we twain + Must test our souls, and find the spirit-path + That each must follow for its separate good. + +(Exit.) + +JOHANNES: + + What meant my friend? Her words did sound so strange. + Maria, I must follow thee forthwith. + +(The three Spirit-Figures of the soul-powers appear with the Other +Philia.) + +LUNA: + + Thou canst not find thyself + Portrayed in other souls. + The power of thine own self + Must root in cosmic soil, + If from the spirit-heights + Thou wouldst indeed transplant + Their beauty to earth's depths. + Be bold to be thyself, + That thou, strong souled, mayst give + Thyself to cosmic powers--a willing sacrifice. + +ASTRID: + + In all thy ways on earth + Thou must not lose thyself; + Mankind doth not attain + To sun-kissed distances + If he would rob himself of personality. + So then prepare thyself, + Press on through earthly love + To utmost depths of heart + Which ripen cosmic love. + +THE OTHER PHILIA: + + O heed the sisters not; + They lead thee far astray + To cosmic distances, + And rob thee of earth's touch. + They do not understand + That earthly love bears trace + Of cosmic love itself. + In cold their natures dwell + And warmth flies from their powers. + They fain would lure mankind + From out his own soul depths + To cold and lofty worlds. + +Curtain: Johannes, Philia, Astrid, Luna, and the Other Philia still +standing + + + + + + +SCENE 4 + + +The same room as in Scene 1. Capesius and Strader. + +CAPESIUS (to Strader who is entering): + + A hearty welcome to the friend whose tongue + With many a disputatious argument + Stoutly withstood me! 'Tis long time since + Thou crossed this threshold. Yet in earlier days + Thou wast my constant welcome visitor. + +STRADER: + + Alas I have not had the time to spare; + My life hath undergone a curious change. + No longer do I plague my weary brain + With hopeless problems. Now I dedicate + The knowledge I have won to honest work, + Such as may serve some useful end in life. + +CAPESIUS: + + Thou meanest that thou hast given up thy quest? + +STRADER: + + Say rather, that it hath abandoned me. + +CAPESIUS: + + And what may be thy present labours' goal? + +STRADER: + + There are no goals in life ordained for man + Which he may see and clearly understand. + It is a mighty engine by whose wheels + We are caught up and wearied, and cast out + Into the darkness when our strength is spent. + +CAPESIUS: + + I knew thee in the days when eagerly + And undismayed thou didst set out to solve + The riddle of existence. I have learned + How thou didst see thy treasured knowledge sink + Into the bottomless abyss, and how + Thy soul, profoundly shaken, had to drain + The bitter cup of disappointed dreams. + But never for one moment did I think + That thou couldst drive the impulse from thy heart + Which had become so fully master there. + +STRADER: + + Thou hast but to recall a certain day + On which a seeress by her truthful speech + Made clear to me the error of my ways. + I had no choice but to acknowledge then + That thought, however hard it toil and strive, + Can never reach the fountain-head of life. + 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 possessed. + The rules of science cannot ever lead + To such a revelation; that is plain. + + Had this been all, and had I only met + This one defeat whilst following my quest, + I do believe I could have brought myself + To start afresh by striving to unite + My methods with those other different ones. + But when it further was made evident + That some peculiar spirit-faculty, + A mere hallucination as I deemed, + Could transform trance into creative power, + Hope disappeared, and left me in despair. + + Dost thou recall the painter, that young man + We both encountered whilst he was engrossed + Following the dubious course of spirit-ways? + After such buffetings from fate I lived + For many weeks benumbed, to madness nigh. + And when by nature's aid I was at last + Restored to sense, I made a firm resolve + To meddle with such seeking never more. + Long, long it was before I had regained + My body's health; and 'twas a joyless time. + I made myself proficient in those things + That lead to business and to normal life. + So now I am a factory manager, + Where screws are made. This is the work I thank + For many hours in which I can forget + My bitter sufferings in a futile quest. + +CAPESIUS: + + I must confess I scarce can recognize + My friend of former days; so different + Is now the guise in which he shows himself. + Beside those hours of which thou spak'st just now + Were there not others full of storm and stress, + In which the ancient conflicts were renewed + That urged thee forth from this benumbing life? + +STRADER: + + I am not spared those hours in mine own soul + When impotence 'gainst impotence doth strive. + And fate hath not so willed it in my case + That rosy beams of hope should force their way + Into my heart, and leave assurance there + That this my present life is not an utter loss. + Renunciation is henceforth my goal. + Yet may the force which such a task requires + Endow me later on with faculty + To follow up my quest in other ways. + +(Aside.) + + If this terrestrial life repeats itself. + +CAPESIUS: + + Thou spak'st,--if I indeed have heard aright,-- + Of repetition of thy life on earth. + Then hast thou really won this fateful truth, + Found it on spirit-journeys, which today + Thou none the less condemnst as dubious? + +STRADER: + + This is the way once travelled by thyself + To that conviction which hath given me strength + To make a new beginning of my life. + I sought upon my sick-bed once for all + In comprehensive survey to embrace + The field of knowledge traversed by myself. + And this I did, ere seeking other aims. + I must have asked myself an hundred times + What we can learn from nature, and infer + From what we know at present of her laws. + I could not find a loophole for escape. + 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 past. + +CAPESIUS: + + Could I have had one such experience + Then should I have been spared much bitter pain. + I sought through many a weary wakeful night + For liberating thoughts to set me free. + +STRADER: + + And yet it was this spirit lightning-flash + Which robbed me of my last remaining powers. + The strongest impulse of my soul hath been + Ever to seek for evidence in life + Of what my thought hath forced on me as truth. + So it befell, as if by chance, that I + E'en in those days of misery should prove, + And by my own life testify the truth, + That cruel truth with all that it involves: + Which is, that all our sorrows and our joys + Are but results of what we really are. + Aye! this is often very hard to bear. + +CAPESIUS: + + Incredible seems such experience. + What can there be to overshadow truth, + For which we search unwearying, and which + Unto our spirit firm assurance gives. + +STRADER: + + For thee it may be so, but not for me. + Thou art acquainted with my curious life. + By chance it seemed my parents' plans were crossed. + Their purpose was to make a monk of me; + And naught so hurt them, they have often said, + In all their life as my apostasy. + I bore all this, yea and much more besides; + Just as one bears the other things in life + So long as birth and death appear the bounds + Appointed for our earthly pilgrimage. + So too my later life and all the hopes + That came to naught, to me a picture seemed + That only by itself could be explained. + Would that the day had never dawned, on which + I altered those convictions that I held, + For--bear in mind--I have not yet confessed + The total burden laid on me by fate. + No child was I of those who would have made + A monk of me, but an adopted son + Chosen by them when but a few days old. + My own real parents I have never known, + But was a stranger in my very home. + Nor less estranged have I remained from all + That happened round me in my later life. + And now my thought compels me to look back + Unto those days of long ago, and see + How from myself I stole the world away. + For thought is linked with thought to make a chain: + A man to whom it hath been thus ordained + To be a stranger in the world, before + His consciousness had ever dawned in him, + This man hath willed this fate upon himself + Ere he could will as consequence of thought. + 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 me. + Do I need more to give me cruel proof + How many veils enshroud mine inmost self? + Without false thirst for knowledge, judge this now; + Hath my new truth revealed the light to me? + It hath, at any rate, brought certainty + That I in mine uncertainty must stay. + Thus it portrays to me my destiny + And like in its own way, is my reply, + Half anguish and half bitter mockery. + A fearful sense of horror on me grew. + Tortured by scorn I must confront my life; + And scoffing at the mockery of fate + I yielded to the darkness. Yet there stayed + One single thought which I could realize: + Do with me what thou wilt, thou life-machine; + I am not curious how thy cog-wheels work! + +CAPESIUS: + + The man whom I have recognized in thee + In such condition cannot long remain, + Bereft of Knowledge, even if he would. + Already I can see the days approach + When we shall both be other than we are. + +The curtain falls, leaving them standing opposite one another + + + + + + +SCENE 5 + + +A mountain glade, in which is situated Felix Balde's solitary +cottage. Evening. Dame Felicia Balde, Capesius, then Felix Balde; +later on Johannes and his Double; afterwards Lucifer and Ahriman. Dame +Felicia is seated on a bench in front of her cottage. + +CAPESIUS (arriving, approaches her): + + I know an old friend will not ask in vain + For leave to stay and rest awhile with thee; + Since now, e'en more than any former time, + He needs what in thine house so oft he found. + +FELICIA: + + When thou wast still far off thy wearied step + Told me the tale which now thine eyes repeat; + That sorrow dwelleth in thy soul today. + +CAPESIUS (who has seated himself): + + Even aforetime 'twas not granted me + To bring much merriment into thy home; + But special patience must I crave today + When, heavy-hearted and of peace bereft, + I force my way unto the home of peace. + +FELICIA: + + We were right glad to see thee in the days + When scarce another man came near this house. + And thou art still our friend, despite events + That came between us, e'en though many now + Are glad to seek us in this lonely glade. + +CAPESIUS: + + The tale is true then which hath reached mine ears, + That thy dear Felix, so reserved of yore, + Is nowadays a man much visited? + +FELICIA: + + 'Tis so; good Felix used to shut us off + From everyone--; but now the people throng + To question him, and he must answer them. + His duty bids him lead this novel life. + In former days he cared not to impart, + Save to his inner self, the secret lore + Concerning spirit-deeds and nature's powers + By rock and forest unto him revealed. + Nor did men seem to value it before. + How great a change hath now come o'er the times! + For many men now lend a willing ear + To what they counted folly in the past, + Greedy for wisdom, Felix can reveal. + And when my dear good husband has to talk + +(Felix Balde comes out of the house.) + + Hour upon hour on end, as oft he doth, + I long for those old days of which I spake. + How oft would Felix earnestly declare + That in the quiet heart enshrined, the soul + Must learn to treasure up the spirit-gifts + From worlds divine in mercy sent to her. + He held it treachery to that high speech + Of spirit, to reveal it to an ear + That was but open to the world of sense. + +FELIX: + + Felicia cannot reconcile herself + To this much altered fashion of our life. + As she regrets the loneliness of old, + So she deplores the many days that pass + In which we have but few hours for ourselves. + +CAPESIUS: + + What made thee welcome strangers to a house + That shut them out so sternly heretofore? + +FELIX: + + The spirit-voice which speaks within my heart + Bade me of yore be silent; I obeyed. + Now that it bids me speak I show myself + Equally faithful unto its command. + Our human nature undergoes a change + As earth's existence gradually evolves. + Now are we very near an epoch's close. + And spirit-knowledge therefore must in part + Be now revealéd unto every man + Who chooseth to receive it to himself. + I know how little what I have to tell + Is in agreement with man's current thought; + The spirit-life, they say, must be made known, + In strict and logical thought sequences, + And men deny all logic to my words. + True science on a firm foundation based, + Cannot, they say, regard me otherwise, + Than as a visionary soul who seeks + A solitary road to wisdom's seat, + And knows no more of science than of art. + 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 worth, to reason not opposed. + I am a man into whose heart must flow, + Untouched by art, each vision he may see. + Nought know I of a knowledge lacking words. + 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 words; + Speech is to it as intimately linked + As is his body's sheath to man on earth; + And knowledge such as this, which in this wise + Reveals itself to us from spirit-worlds, + Can be of service even unto those + Who understand it not. And so it is + That every man is free to come to me + Who will attend to what I have to say. + Many are led by curiosity + And other trivial reasons to my door. + I know that this is so, but also know + That though the souls of just such men as these + Are not this moment living for the light, + Yet in them have been planted seeds of good + Which will not fail to ripen in due time. + +CAPESIUS: + + Let me, I pray thee, freely speak my mind. + I have admired thee now these many years; + Yet up till now I have not grasped the sense + Which underlies thy strange mysterious words. + +FELIX: + + It surely will unfold itself to thee; + For with a lofty spirit dost thou strive + And noble heart, and so the time must come + When thou thyself shalt hear the voice of truth. + Thou dost not mark how full of rich content + Man, as the image of the cosmos, is. + His head doth mirror heaven's very self, + The spirits of the spheres work through his limbs, + And in his breast earth-beings hold their sway. + To all of these opposed, in all their might + Appear the demons, natives of the Moon, + Whose lot it is to cross those beings' aims. + The human being who before us stands, + The soul through which we learn to feel desire, + The spirit who illuminates our path: + All these, full many gods have worked to mould + Throughout the ages of eternity; + And this their purpose was: to join in one, + Forces proceeding out of all the worlds + Which should, in combination, make mankind. + +CAPESIUS: + + Thy words come near to causing me alarm, + For they regard mankind as nothing else + Than product of divine activities. + +FELIX: + + And so a man who sets himself to learn + True spirit science must be meek indeed. + And he who, arrogant and vain, desires + To gain nought else than knowledge of himself; + For him the gates of wisdom open not. + +CAPESIUS: + + Once more, no doubt, will Dame Felicia + Come to mine aid, as she so oft hath done, + And make a picture for my seeking soul, + Which, being warmed thereat, may rightly grasp + The real true meaning in thy words contained. + +FELICIA: + + Dear Felix oft hath told me in the past + The very words which now he spake to thee. + They freed a vision in mine heart, which I + Did promise, then and there, I must relate + Some day to thee. + +CAPESIUS: + + Oh do so, dearest dame; + I sorely crave refreshment, such as thou, + Out of thy picture-storehouse canst provide. + +FELICIA: + + So be it then. There once did live a boy, + The only child of needy forest-folk, + Who grew up in the woodland solitudes; + Few souls he knew beside his parents twain. + His build was slender, and his skin well-nigh + Transparent; marvels of the spirit hid + Deep in his eye; long could one gaze therein. + And though few human beings ever came + Into the circle of his daily life, + The lad was well befriended none the less. + When golden sunshine bathed the neighbouring hills, + With thoughtful eyes he drew the spirit-gold + Into his soul, until his heart became + Kin to the morning glory of the sun. + But when the morning sunshine could not break + Through dense dark banks of cloud, and heaviness + Lay on the hills around, his eye grew sad, + And sorrow took possession of his heart. + Thus his attention only centred on + The spirit-fabric of his narrow world, + A world that seemed as much a part of him + As did his limbs and body. Woodlands all + And trees and flowers he felt to be his friends; + From crown and calyx and from tops of trees, + The spirit beings spake full oft to him, + And all their whisperings were lucid speech. + 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 lifeless. Evening often fell, + And still the boy would be away from home, + And cause his loving parents much distress. + At such times he was at a place near by + In which a spring rose gushing from the rocks, + To fall in misty spray upon the stones. + When silver moonbeams would reflect themselves, + A miracle of colour and of light, + Full in the rush of hasting waterdrops, + The boy could spend beside the rock-born spring + Hour after hour, till spirit-shapes appeared + Before the vision of the youthful seer + Where moonbeams shivered on the falling drops. + They grew to be three forms in woman's shape, + Who spoke to him about those things in which + His yearning soul made known its interest. + And when upon a gentle summer night + The lad was once more sitting by the spring, + A myriad particles one woman took + From out the coloured web of waterdrops + And to the second woman handed them. + She fashioned from the watery particles + A gleaming chalice with a silver sheen + And handed it in turn unto the third. + She filled the vessel with the silver rays + Of moonlight and then gave it to the boy, + Who had beheld all this with inner sight. + During the night which followed this event + He dreamed a dream in which he saw himself + Robbed of this chalice by some dragon wild. + After this night had passed, the boy beheld + But three times more the marvel of the stream. + Then the three women stayed away from him + Although he sat and mused beside the spring + That gushed beneath the moonlight from the rock. + And when three times three hundred sixty weeks + Had passed, the boy had long become a man, + And left home, parents, and his woodland nook + To live in some strange city. There one eve + He sat and thought, tired with the day's hard toil, + Musing on what life held in store for him, + When suddenly he felt himself caught up + And set again beside that rock-bound spring; + The women three, he there beheld once more, + And this time clearly he could hear them speak. + These were the words the first one spake to him: + 'Think of me always whensoe'er thou art + O'ercome by loneliness, for I am she + Who lures the inner vision of mankind + To starry realms and heavenly distances. + And whosoever wills to feel my sway + To him I give a draught of life and hope + Out of the magic goblet which I hold.' + The second also spake these words to him: + 'Forget me not at times when thou art nigh + To losing courage on life's battlefield. + I lead men's yearning hearts to depths of soul + And also up to lofty spirit-heights. + And whosoever seeks his powers from me, + For him I forge unwavering faith in life + Shaped by the magic hammer which I wield.' + The third one gave her message in these words: + 'Lift up thy spirit's eye to gaze on me + When by life's riddles thou art overwhelmed. + 'Tis I who spin the threads of thought that lead + Through labyrinths of life and depths of soul. + And whosoever puts his trust in me + For him I weave the rays of living love + Upon this magic loom at which I sit.' + Thus it befell the man, and in the night + That followed on his vision he did dream, + How that a dragon wild in circles crept + Round him, but was not able to draw near. + He was protected from that dragon's claws + By those same beings whom he saw of old + Seated beside the spring among the rocks, + Who had gone with him, when he left his home, + To guard him in his strange environment. + +CAPESIUS: + + Accept my thanks, dear dame, before I go, + For this rich treasure thou hast given me. + +(Stands up and departs; Felix and Dame Felicia go into the house.) + +CAPESIUS (alone and at some distance): + + I feel the health that such a picture brings + Into my soul, and how to all my thoughts + It can restore the forces they had lost. + Simple the tale unfolded by the dame, + And yet it rouseth powers of thought in me + That carry me away to worlds unknown.... + Therefore will I in this fair solitude + Myself to dreams abandon, which so oft + Have sought to usher thoughts into my soul, + Thoughts which have proved themselves of higher worth + Than many a fruit of weeks of close research. + +(He disappears behind some thick bushes. Enter Johannes, sunk in +deep thought.) + +JOHANNES TO HIMSELF: + + Was this some dream, or was it truth indeed? + I cannot bear the words my friend just spake + In calm serenity and yet so firm + About our separation which must come. + Would I might think it was but worldly sense, + That sets itself against the spirit's trend, + And, like a mirage, stands between us twain. + I cannot, 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 her,' says it night and day. + Out of the fountain of my love alone + Springs that activity for which I crave. + 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 myself? + In this illumination must I live, + And if it is to be withdrawn from me + Then shall my choice be death for evermore. + I feel my forces fail me at this hour + As soon as I would set myself to think; + It must be that I wander o'er a path + Whereon her light sheds not its radiant beam. + + A mist begins to form before mine eyes + Which shrouds the marvels o'er, which used to make + These woods, these cliffs a glory to mine eyes,-- + A fearful dream mounts from abysmal depths-- + Which shakes me through and through with fear and dread-- + + O get thee gone from me;--I yearn to be + Alone to dream my individual dreams; + In them at least I still can fight and strive + To win back that which now seems lost to me. + + He will not go;--then will I fly from him. + +(He feels as if he were rooted to the ground.) + + What are the bonds that hold me prisoner + And chain me, as with fetters, to this place? + +(The Double of Johannes Thomasius appears.) + + Ah!--whosoe'er thou art; if human blood + Doth course within thy veins, or if thou art + Some spirit only--leave me and depart. + Who is it?--Here some demon brings to me + My own self's likeness,--he will not depart;-- + It is the picture of my very self + And seems to be more powerful than that self.-- + +DOUBLE: + + Maria, I do love thee;--beating heart + And fevered blood are mine when at thy side. + And when thine eye meets mine, my pulse doth thrill + With passion's tremor: when thy dearest hand + Doth nestle in mine own, my body swoons + With rapture and delight. + +JOHANNES: + + Thou phantom ghost, + Of mist and fog compact, how dost thou dare + To utter blasphemy and so malign + The purest feelings of my heart. How great + A load of guilt must I have laid on me, + That I must be compelled to look upon + Such lust--befouled distortion of that love + That is to me so holy. + +DOUBLE: + + I have lent + Full oft unto thy words a listening ear. + I seemed to draw them up into my soul + As 'twere some message from the spirit-world. + But more than any scene thy words disclosed + I loved to have thy body close to mine. + And when thou spakst of soul-paths I was filled + With rapture that went leaping through my veins. + +(The voice of conscience speaks.) + +CONSCIENCE: + + This is the unconfessed + But not yet dispossessed + Apparently repressed + Still by the blood possessed + The hidden lure + Of sexual power. + +DOUBLE (with a slightly different voice): + + I have no power to go away from thee; + Oft wilt thou find me standing by thy side; + I leave thee not till thou hast found the power + Which makes of me the very counterpart + Of that pure being which thou shalt become. + As yet thou hast not reached that high estate. + In the illusion of thy personal self + Thou thinkst mistakenly that thou art he. + +(Enter Lucifer and Ahriman.) + +LUCIFER: + + O man, o'ercome thyself. + O man, deliver me. + Thou hast defeated me + In thy soul's highest realm; + But I am bound to thee + In thine own being's depth. + Me shalt thou ever find + Across thy path in life + If thou wouldst strive to shield + All of thyself from me. + O man, o'ercome thyself, + O man, deliver me. + +AHRIMAN: + + O man, be bold and dare. + O man, experience me. + Thou hast availed to win + To spirit seership here, + But I must spoil for thee + The longing of thy heart. + Still must thou suffer oft + Deep agony of soul, + If thou dost not consent + To make use of my powers. + O man be bold and dare. + O man, experience me. + +(Lucifer and Ahriman vanish; the Double also. Johannes walks, deep +in thought, into the dark recesses of the forest. Capesius appears +again. He has, from his post behind the bushes, watched the scene +between Johannes and the Double as if it were a vision.) + +CAPESIUS: + + What have I seen and heard! It lay on me + Just like some nightmare. Came Thomasius + Walking like one who is absorbed in thought; + Then he stood still; it seemed as if he talked + With someone, and yet no one else was there. + I felt o'ercome as by some deadly fear; + And saw no more of what went on around. + As if I were asleep, and unaware, + I must have sunk into yon picture-world + Which I can now so clearly call to mind. + It can indeed have been but little time + I sat and dreamed, unconscious of myself; + And yet, how rich was yonder world of dreams, + What strange impressions doth it make on me. + Persons were there who lived in bygone days, + I plainly saw them move and heard them speak. + I dreamed about a spirit-brotherhood + Which strove with steadfast purpose to attain + Unto the heights which crown humanity. + Among them I could clearly see myself, + And all that happened was familiar too. + A dream ..., yet most unnerving was that dream. + I know that in this life I certainly + Can ne'er have learned to know the like of it. + And each impression that it leaves behind + Reacts like very life upon my soul. + Those pictures draw me with resistless power...; + O if I could but dream that dream again. + +Curtain, whilst Capesius remains standing + +The following four scenes represent events taking place during the +first third of the XIVth century. + +Their contents will show what Capesius, Thomasius, and Maria saw on +looking back at their last incarnation. + + + + + + +SCENE 6 + + +A woodland meadow. In the background, high cliffs on which stands +a castle. Summer evening. Countryfolk; Simon, the Jew; Thomas, +the Master miner; the Monk. Countryfolk walking across the meadow, +and stopping to talk. + +FIRST COUNTRYMAN: + + See yon vile Jew; he surely will not dare + To take the same road that we take ourselves; + For things might very well come to his ears + On hearing which they'd burn for many a day. + +SECOND COUNTRYMAN: + + We must make clear to his effrontery, + Aye, very clear indeed, that we no more + Will tolerate his race in our good land + Across whose bounds he hath contrived to slink. + +FIRST COUNTRYWOMAN: + + He is protected by the noble knights + Who live up in yon castle; none of us + May enter it; the Jew is welcome there. + For he doth do whate'er the knights desire. + +THIRD COUNTRYMAN: + + 'Tis very hard to know who serves the Lord + And who the devil. Thankful should we be + To our good lords who give us food and work. + What should we be if it were not for them? + +SECOND COUNTRYWOMAN: + + The Jew shall have my praise; his remedies + Have cured me of the evil sickness that I had. + Besides, he was so good and kind to me. + And many more can tell the selfsame tale. + +THIRD COUNTRYWOMAN: + + Yet did a monk let slip the truth to me,-- + The devil's remedies the Jew employs. + Beware his drugs; transformed within the blood + They grant an entrance to all kinds of sin. + +FOURTH COUNTRYMAN: + + The men who wait upon the knights oppose + Our ancient customs, saying that the Jew + Hath stores of knowledge both to heal and bless + Which will in days to come be rightly prized. + +FIFTH COUNTRYMAN: + + New times and better are in store; I see + Their coming in my spirit, when my soul + Pictures to me what eyes cannot behold. + The knights intend to bring all this about. + +FOURTH COUNTRYWOMAN: + + We owe the Church obedience, for she guards + Our souls from devil-visions, and from death, + And from hell-fire. The monks bid us beware + The knights, and their vile sorcerer, the Jew. + +FIFTH COUNTRYWOMAN: + + Only a short time longer need we bear + In patience the oppression of the knights. + Soon will their citadel in ruins lie. + Thus hath it been foretold me in a dream. + +SIXTH COUNTRYWOMAN: + + 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 hands; + I needs must count them Christians, as ourselves. + +SIXTH COUNTRYMAN: + + What men shall think of them in days to come + 'Twere best to leave to be adjudged by those + Who shall live after us. Mere tools are we, + Used by the knights in their satanic arts + To war against true Christianity. + If they be driven out we shall be freed + From their pernicious sway, and live our lives + As we shall choose, in this our native land. + Now let us go to vespers, there to find + That which our souls require, and that which is + In harmony with our ancestral ways. + These novel teachings suit us not at all. + +(Exeunt the countryfolk.) + +(Simon, the Jew, enters from the wood.) + +SIMON: + + Where'er I go, I find awaiting me + The ancient hatred and the bitter taunts. + And yet I suffer not a whit the less + Each time I find myself exposed to them. + There seems to be no reasonable cause + Why people should behave toward me thus. + And yet one thought pursues me evermore + Which makes the truth apparent to my soul, + That nothing can befall us without cause. + So too a reason there must be for this, + That suffering is the lot of all my tribe. + So with the lords of yonder citadel, + I find their lot is near akin to mine. + They have but chosen of their own free will + That which by nature is imposed on me. + They set themselves apart from all mankind, + And strive in isolation to acquire + The powers through which they may attain their goal. + Thus can I feel the debt I owe to fate + And find her blessing in my loneliness. + Forced to rely on my own soul alone + I took the realms of science for my field. + And recognized from what I learned therein + That ripe for new attainments was our time. + The laws of nature, hitherto unknown, + 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 ends. + So have I tried, as far as in me lay, + To make fresh progress in the healing art. + This toil endeared me to the brotherhood. + Its members made me free of their estates + To seek to find the forces that reside + In plants and 'neath the surface of the ground, + That they may yield for us new benefits. + My actions therefore march with their designs, + And I confess that I have plucked with joy + Much goodly fruit whilst going on my way. + +(Exit into the wood.) + +Thomas, the Master miner, enters from the wood. Enter the Monk.) + +THOMAS: + + Here will I sit and rest a little while. + My soul hath need of rest to find itself + After the shocks which I have had to bear. + +(The Monk comes up to him.) + +MONK: + + I greet thee heartily, most valiant son. + Thou hast come here in search of solitude. + Thy work well done, thou wouldst have peace and quiet + In which to turn thy thoughts to spirit-worlds. + To see my well-loved pupil thus employed + Rejoiceth me. But why so sad thine eyes? + 'Twould seem anxiety weighs down your soul. + +THOMAS: + + Pain oft is neighbour unto highest bliss; + That this is so my own life proves today. + +MONK: + + Hast thou then met with bliss and pain at once? + +THOMAS: + + I told thee, reverend father, that I loved + The mountain-warden's daughter, and confessed + That she was also greatly drawn to me. + She is to marry me and share my life. + +MONK: + + She will be true to thee, come weal, come woe; + She is a faithful daughter of the Church. + +THOMAS: + + Such an one only would I take to wife; + Since, honoured master, I have learned from thee + The meaning of obedience to God's will. + +MONK: + + And art thou also certain of thy soul, + That it will walk still further in the way + Of righteousness, which I have pointed out? + +THOMAS: + + So sure as in this body beats a heart, + So sure will I, thy son, be true for aye + To those exalted teachings which of old + From thine own lips I was allowed to learn. + +MONK: + + And now that thou hast told me of thy bliss + Let me hear also from thee of thy woe. + +THOMAS: + + Oft have I told thee what my life hath been. + Scarce had I left my childhood's days behind + Than I began to travel and to roam. + I never worked for long in any place. + Ever I cherished in my heart the wish + To meet my father, whom I loved, although + I had not heard a good report of him. + He left my dear good mother all alone + Because he wished to start his life anew + Unhampered by a wife and children twain. + The impulse for adventure dwelt in him. + I was a child still, when he went from us. + My sister was a tiny new-born babe. + My mother died of grief in no long time. + My sister was adopted by good folk + Who later moved away from my old home. + And of her fate I never more heard tell. + Some relatives assisted me to learn + A miner's work, in which I expert grew, + So that I found employment where I wished. + The hope that some day I should once more find + My father, never vanished from my heart. + And now my hope at last is realized + But also is for ever torn from me. + Matters of business led me yesterday + To seek for speech with my superior. + Thou knowst how lightly I esteem the knight + Who issueth the directions for my work + Since I have learned thou art his enemy. + From that time forward I made up my mind + Not to remain in service under him. + 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 sought. + What followed ... I would gladly leave untold. + It would not have been hard to overlook + My mother's sufferings at his hands, and mine, + When he and I once more stood face to face, + And when he spoke, grief-burdened, of old days. + But in his form, stood facing me, thy foe. + And one thing then was manifest to me:-- + How deep a gulf must ever separate + Myself from him, whom I so fain would love, + And whom I sought so long and ardently. + Now have I lost him for the second time, + Such is the lot that hath befallen me. + +MONK: + + I would not e'er estrange thee from those ties + Imposed on thee by blood-relationship. + But what I can bestow upon thy soul + Shall ever be to thee a gift of love. + +Curtain + + + + + + +SCENE 7 + + +A chamber in the castle whose exterior was shown in the preceding +scene. Decorated throughout with symbols of a Mystic Brotherhood. (For +costumes, see note on page 145.) Columns, arches, and vaulted roof +with the mystic symbols shown in the Author's 'Occult Symbols.' First +the Knights assemble; then the Monk and one of the Knights; later +appears the spirit of Benedictus who has passed away about fifty years +earlier. Then Lucifer and Ahriman. The Grand Master seated with four +Brothers at a long table. + +GRAND MASTER: + + Ye who are joined with me in comradeship + To seek the goal appointed unto man, + And bring that knowledge from the spirit-realm + Into the scope of earth's activities, + As is appointed to our brotherhood, + Must also truly help me in this hour + When heavy trials impend. Then, know ye all + That since our venerated master fell, + A victim by the Powers of Darkness claimed, + Who draw their strength from Evil, helping on + The plan of Wisdom by their natural means, + That is by means of Opposition's strength, + Since Wisdom turneth Evil into Good: + Since that sad loss we strive on earth in vain, + For many a castle of our brotherhood + Hath by our enemies been overwhelmed, + And many brothers dear to us have fallen + In fight, and followed our great Master home + Into the realm of everlasting light. + For us too doth the hour approach apace + When these stout walls that shelter us shall fall. + Our foes already spy the country round + To find a pretext under which they may + Rob us of our possessions, ne'er acquired + For our own use, but as a means to draw + Around us individuals, in whose souls + We could implant the germs of things to come. + These germs shall ripen when those men themselves + Find their way back from out the spirit-land + To live anew in future days on earth. + +FIRST MASTER OF CEREMONIES: + + That this our brotherhood should be o'erthrown + By some obscure design of destiny, + Is something nowise inconceivable. + But that the fall of our community + Should doom so many brothers' single lives, + Would seem to contravene the cosmic law. + I do not wish my words to make complaint, + Since willingly our brothers suffer death. + But still my soul desires to comprehend + The sacrifice demanded from these men + Who have allied themselves unto a whole, + Because the powers of destiny decree + The overthrow and ruin of that whole. + +GRAND MASTER: + + The separate life of individual men + Is linked most wisely to the world's design. + 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 stain. + 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 who, blameless both in act and deed, + Must none the less walk in the thorny way + Traced by the Karma of the brotherhood, + Will find his pain requited by the power + To mount aloft unto the higher life. + +FIRST MASTER OF CEREMONIES: + + So then the brotherhood may tolerate + Within its ranks souls not yet purified + Who vow themselves to its exalted aims? + +GRAND MASTER: + + He who to lofty works is dedicate + Doth mark alone the goodness in men's souls; + He lets the evil work its ransom out + As cosmic justice in its course decides. + My brothers, I have bid you meet me here + In order to remind you with grave words + That we have duties in our days of grief. + We must be ready to lay down our lives + For those high purposes to which we swore + Lifelong allegiance. Ye then are indeed + My brothers, if undauntedly your souls + Repeat the motto of our brotherhood: + 'Both separateness and life must be forsworn + By those who would set eyes on spirit-goals + Through occult senses unto them revealed; + Who dare to let the spirit's will pour down + And flood their individual purposes.' + +FIRST PRECEPTOR: + + Exalted Master, shouldst thou deign to test + The heart of each man in our brotherhood, + It would repeat that motto loud and clear!-- + Yet do we beg thee to explain to us + Why, not content with robbing us of life + And our possessions, now our enemies + Would rob us also of those humble souls + Whom we have tended with unselfish love. + For every day affords new evidence + That not alone compulsion makes our folk + Submit themselves unto our conquerors; + But that indeed they too have learned to hate + The spirit-path which we had shown to them. + +GRAND MASTER: + + That which we have implanted in men's souls + May die indeed today; but these same men, + Who once have breathed our spirit-radiance, + Will come again to earth, and then bestow + Upon the world the fruitage of our work. + Thus speaks unto my spirit oftentimes + Our mighty leader from the realm of death, + When in my quiet hours, I do sink down + Into my soul's deep places, and arouse + Strength to abide awhile in spirit-lands. + Then may I feel the master's presence near + And hear his words, as in the life of sense + I often heard them. Never doth he speak + About our work as drawing to a close; + But only of fulfilment of our aims + In later days that are to come on earth. + +(Exeunt the Grand Master and two Brothers.) + +FIRST PRECEPTOR: + + He speaks of spirit-worlds in just such words + As men may speak of villages or towns.... + The way in which our loftiest brothers speak + Of other states of life oppresseth me. + And yet I am devoted fervently + Unto the progress of our earthly aims. + +SECOND MASTER OF CEREMONIES: + + My firm reliance is our master's words. + The man who cannot hear with perfect faith + The tale of spirit and of spirit-worlds,-- + Is nowise lacking in the faculties + To grasp a revelation of this kind. + The things he lacks are of a different mould. + He may well guess, unwilling to admit, + That he is conscious of unworthiness + To be a member of the higher worlds. + A soul must be defiled by secret stain + And eager to deny that they are there, + That will not bow before the spirit-lore. + +(Exeunt.) + +(Enter the Monk; the Second Preceptor enters and steps up to him.) + +SECOND PRECEPTOR: + + What errand bringeth thee to this our house + Which is for thee the home of enemies? + +MONK: + + I must include amongst my friends all those + Who bear the form of men. This is our rule. + But hostile thou mayst well esteem the claim + Which I, by duty bound, must here present. + Those who are over me have sent me here. + And their desire is that the property + Belonging to the Church, as by old deeds + Is well attested, should be given back + To them without dispute. Yon tract of ground + Upon which ye have sunk your mine, belongs + In law and equity unto the Church. + The manner in which ye possessed yourselves + Of this estate confers no legal rights. + +SECOND PRECEPTOR: + + Whether in law we have a right to call + It ours or no, would constitute a case + For legal disputation long drawn out. + But certain 'tis that it belongs to us + If we refer it to a higher law. + Yon tract of ground was lying lost and waste + When it was purchased by our brotherhood: + Not e'en an inkling had ye of the fact + That far below rich treasure lay concealed. + This have we won for human industry. + Its treasures travel far and wide today + To distant lands, to further human weal. + And many honest souls are now at work + In shaft and tunnel underneath the ground + Which in your hands lay waste and desolate. + +MONK: + + 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 property? + +SECOND PRECEPTOR: + + Since we are not aware of any guilt, + But are convinced our cause is wholly just, + We can but wait in quiet confidence + To see if ye are really bent on strife, + When as before, yourselves are in the wrong. + +MONK: + + Then will ye have to thank your headstrong will + If we are driven to a sterner course. + +SECOND PRECEPTOR: + + The honour of our brotherhood demands + That only when defeated, sword in hand, + Do we allow ourselves to be despoiled. + +MONK: + + So be it! Now my mission is fulfilled. + Between us there is no more need of words. + Will it be possible for me to have + An audience with thy lord, who here commands? + +SECOND PRECEPTOR: + + The master doubtless will concede thee this; + Yet wait, I pray three, for a little while. + He cannot at this moment come to thee. + +(Exit.) + +MONK: + + O, that mine office forceth me to tread + The halls of this detested brotherhood. + Turn where they may, my eyes must contemplate + Sinful devices and satanic spells. + Almost a horror seizeth hold on me; + A crackling and a rumbling fill the air; + I feel the powers of ill are gathered round. + +(Noises heard.) + + But as my conscience is entirely clear + I will defy the enemy. + +(Noises heard.) + + Oh, this + Is terrible.... + +(The spirit of Benedictus appears.) + + Defend me, Saints in Heaven! + +BENEDICTUS: + + Collect thyself, my son. I often came + To meet thee, when the fervour of thy prayers + Transported thee unto the spirit-world. + 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 soul. + +MONK: + + When in my trials I prayed to Heaven for light, + And when my supplication winged its way + To realms celestial, and won response, + Thou, venerated master, didst appear. + Thou, who wast aye our Order's ornament, + The while thou wert amongst us here on earth, + And out of higher realms didst speak to me, + Enlightening my mind and strengthening me. + My soul beheld thee with its inner eye, + My spirit ear was open to thy words. + In this hour also then, will I receive + The revelation with humility + Which thou shalt cause to flow into my soul. + +BENEDICTUS: + + Thou art within that brotherhood's abode + Whom thou dost charge with wicked heresies. + They seem to hate what we are taught to love + And hold in honour what we count as sin. + Our brethren feel themselves in duty bound + To haste the spirit-brethren's overthrow, + And think their action sanctioned by the words + I spake myself whilst I was still on earth. + 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 work. + So let those thoughts which I once held on earth + Rise up afresh and live within thy soul + In harmony with needs of newer times. + And thus behold this Order, which doth seek + Its goal in mystic realms, as I should judge + And look on it, if it had been my lot + To dwell on earth and work with thee today. + This brotherhood is vowed to lofty aims. + These individuals who have joined its ranks + Have premonitions of the days to come; + Their leaders see with a prophetic eye + The fruits that shall grow ripe in future times; + Science and daily life shall undergo + A change of form and seek ideals new; + And what this brotherhood doth now achieve, + Whom thou hast lent a hand to persecute, + Are deeds which serve to bring this change about. + Alone by peaceful union of the aims + Sought by our brethren and these heretics + Can good be made to blossom on this earth. + +MONK: + + This warning, of which I am worthy found, + How can I act upon it? It departs + Amazingly from all that I have held, + Up to this moment, to be right and good. + +(Ahriman and Lucifer appear.) + + But other beings now are drawing nigh! + Why do they come and stand beside thee now? + +AHRIMAN: + + This further message comes from other realms. + It cannot seem an easy thing for thee + Thy predecessor's bidding to obey. + Reflect--he dwells in everlasting bliss. + And actions by decree and duty there + Desirable, may well upon the earth + Lead to confusion at the present time. + Lift up thine eyes to where he dwells on high + If thou wouldst seek for comfort from the bliss + That, when the latter days of earth draw near, + By cosmic spirits is to be bestowed. + But if at present thou wouldst act aright, + Be guided only, in the choice of paths, + By that which reason and the senses teach. + Thou hast been able clearly to discern + The sinful ways of yonder brotherhood + Which they would fain keep secret from the world; + Thus hast thou learned that laws for future life + Can well be framed by souls now steeped in sin! + How canst thou wish, now that thou knowst these things, + To live in friendship with the brotherhood? + For error is a poor and sterile soil + Where good fruit cannot come to ripening. + +LUCIFER: + + Thy pious mind hath shown the road to thee. + It is most true that times and objects change; + But none the less 'tis not for heretics + To trace the paths on which mankind must tread. + The error of this spirit-brotherhood + Is dangerous, because it speaks the truth, + And yet expresses it in such a way + As makes the truth more deadly than a lie. + 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 led. + The spirit-knights indeed are shrewd of mind; + They do not fail to speak about the Christ + Because this name can open every door + That gives admission to the souls of men. + But ever can men easiest be led + Into the service of the Antichrist + When in the name of Christ he is proclaimed. + +MONK: + + Conflicting voices from the world of souls + Assail mine ears, as often heretofore, + And always with an aim to counteract + The pious promptings of a mind devout. + How shall I find the paths that lead to good + If by the Powers of Evil they be praised? + Almost it seems to me as if indeed...; + But no, such words shall not be thought by me--, + The wisdom of my master shall reveal + The meaning of his words, so dark to me. + +BENEDICTUS: + + I can direct thee to the proper path, + If thou wilt let the words which once I spake + On earth possess thee in thine inmost soul. + 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 face, + The proper path shall be made plain to thee. + +Curtain, while the Monk, the Spirit of Benedictus, Lucifer, and +Ahriman are still on the stage + + + + + + +SCENE 8 + + +The same. The First Preceptor; Joseph Keane; then the Grand Master +with Simon; later the First and the Second Master of Ceremonies. Joseph +Keane is there first; the Preceptor approaches him. + +FIRST PRECEPTOR: + + Thou didst send word thou wouldst have speech with me. + What is the news that thou art come to bring? + +JOSEPH KEANE: + + Most weighty matters both to thee and me. + Thou knowst the master miner Thomas here, + Who renders service to thee? + +FIRST PRECEPTOR: + + Well I know + The worthy man; we prize him for his skill, + And his subordinates hold him in love. + +KEANE: + + And dost thou know my child, Cecilia, too? + +FIRST PRECEPTOR (moved): + + It hath so chanced that I have seen the maid + When I have met thee with thy family. + +KEANE: + + It happened that soon after Thomas came + He paid us frequent visits in our home. + They grew more frequent; it was evident + That to Cecilia his whole heart went out. + We did not marvel that this should be so. + But, knowing our girl's nature, it was long + Ere we could think that she returned his love. + Her life was well nigh one continuous prayer, + And almost all society she shunned. + Yet ever doth it now appear more clear + That to this stranger she hath giv'n her heart. + And as things are, we feel ourselves compelled + Not to oppose the wishes of our child; + Thomas she loves, and she would marry him. + +FIRST PRECEPTOR (with faltering movements): + + Why runs this marriage counter to thy will? + +KEANE: + + My lord, there is no need for me to tell + Of my devotion to the brotherhood. + My heart would have to bear a heavy load + If my child's love, in its entirety, + Were cast upon the side of those who say + That you and I alike are heretics. + The monk who now o'er yonder abbey rules + Close by our home, and who doth ever seek + To thwart the mission of the brotherhood, + Hath won dominion o'er our daughter's soul. + 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 light. + But I shall have to give her up for lost + When she shall have become the wife of one + Who, like herself, works for the weal of man + According to the precepts of that monk. + His Reverence hath had complete success + In foisting such opinions as he holds + On Thomas, who receives them in full faith. + A thrill of terror would run over me + To hear the curses pour from Thomas' lips + Whene'er we spake about the brotherhood. + +FIRST PRECEPTOR: + + Our enemies are many; if one more + Is added it cannot affect us much. + Thy words have not yet made it clear to me + What my concern is with this tale of love. + +KEANE: + + My lord, thou seest this packet in mine hand. + Its contents warrant me to come to thee. + My wife and I alone have read the lines: + None else in these parts knows a word of them. + 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 me. + We undertook the training of the child + When her own mother died. What I have still + To say will make it seem unnecessary, + To tell at length how all this came to pass. + For long we knew not who her father was; + The girl today knows not her parentage. + Father and mother she beholds in us. + And such a state of things might have gone on + Since we do love her as our very own. + But some years later than her mother's death + The papers that I hold were brought to us; + They make it plain who our child's father is. + I cannot tell if he is known to thee. + +(The Preceptor loses control over himself.) + + But now I know--am sure ... + ... that thou art he. + There is no need for me to tell thee more. + But since it is thy child who is concerned + I beg thee to extend to me thine aid. + United our endeavours may succeed + To save her from the darkness that impends. + +FIRST PRECEPTOR: + + Dear Keane. Thou hast been ever true to me, + And I would fain still further count on thee. + Neither within nor yet without these walls + Must any in this country ever know + The truth of my relation to this girl. + +KEANE: + + My word thereon. I mean no harm to thee; + I only beg that thou wilt lend thine aid. + +FIRST PRECEPTOR: + + Thou dost perceive that at the present time + I cannot talk with thee at greater length. + I pray thee come tomorrow. + +KEANE: + + I will come. + +(Exit.) + +FIRST PRECEPTOR: + + How cruelly my fate fulfils itself. + I left my wife and child in misery, + Since they seemed hindrances upon the path + Along which vanity did beckon me. + It led me on to join this brotherhood. + 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 love. + The brotherhood's clear vision, as applied + To acts and men, is manifest in me. + It welcomed me a brother in its ranks + And forthwith laid on me its rules severe. + To self-examination was I led + And knowledge of myself, which otherwise + In other walks of life I had not found. + And then when, under Fate's decree, my son + Came and dwelt near me, I was fain to think + That mighty Powers were merciful to me + In showing how to expiate my sin. + I knew long since that this Keane's foster-child + Was none else than the daughter whom I left. + + The brotherhood is near its overthrow, + Each brother resolute to meet his death, + Convinced that those high purposes will live + For which he makes his life the sacrifice. + But I, alas, have felt for many days + I was not worthy of this glorious end. + My purpose ever ripened to make known + My case unto the master, and to crave + Permission to forsake the brotherhood. + I had in mind thenceforward to devote + My days unto my children, and so far + As in this earth-life yet is possible + To offer penance. But I clearly see, + That 'twas not filial longing brought my son + To this same spot to seek his father out, + Although his good heart made him thus believe. + But he was led by forces in the blood + Which drew him to his sister. Other ties, + Blood-born, were loosened by a father's guilt, + Or else yon monk had never had the power + To rob me so entirely of my son. + Indeed the robbery is so complete, + That with the brother will the sister too + From my paternal longings be estranged. + And so nought else remains for me but this, + To take immediate measures to ensure + That they shall know the truth about themselves, + And then with resignation to await + The penance laid upon me by those powers + Who keep the reckoning of our misdeeds. + +(Exit.) + +(After an interval the Grand Master and Simon enter.) + +GRAND MASTER: + + Henceforward Simon, in the castle walls + Thou must abide, for since that lying tale + Was published that thou art a sorcerer, + Peril awaits thine every step outside. + +SIMON: + + My heart is sore indeed to find that men + In ignorance assail a proffered aid + Whose only object is to do them good. + +GRAND MASTER: + + Those who, by grace of lofty spirit-powers, + Can turn their gaze upon the souls of men, + Will see the enemies therein arrayed + Which fight against the nature of the soul. + 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 themselves. + +SIMON: + + My lord, in very truth these words of thine + Arouse an echo in my deepest soul. + Indeed my nature is not prone to dreams; + 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 beholds. + A human form appears in front of me + Which fain would grasp my hand in fellowship. + Such suffering on his features is expressed + As never yet I saw in any face. + The greatness and the beauty of this man + Seize firmly hold of all my powers of soul; + I fain would sink to earth and humbly bow + Before this messenger from other worlds. + Next moment like a raging flame, there comes + The wildest anger searing through my heart, + Nor can I gain the mastery o'er the power + That fans the opposition of my soul, + And I am forced to thrust aside the hand + Which is so lovingly held out to me. + So soon as to my senses I return + The radiant form hath vanished from my sight. + And thereupon, when I recall in thought + That which my spirit hath so often seen, + Before my soul this thought presents itself + Which moves me to the bottom of my heart. + I feel myself attracted by thy lore, + In which a Spirit-being is revealed + Descending from the Kingdom of the Sun, + To take a human form upon Himself, + In order to disclose Himself to men. + I cannot keep the glowing beauty out + That pours upon me from thy noble lore, + And yet my soul will not assent thereto. + The primal form of our humanity + In thy great Spirit-being I admit; + But still my individual self rebels + When I would turn to him in faith and love. + So must I ever wage an inward war + The archetype of every outer strife. + In sore distress, I seek in vain a clue + To solve the riddle of my life and fate: + How comes it that I understand so well + And yet that I in no wise can believe + The things thy noble teachings do reveal? + I follow thine example faithfully, + Yet find myself opposed at every point + To this example's goal and origin. + And when I must thus recognize myself, + A flood of doubt o'erwhelms my falt'ring faith + That in this life I may yet find myself. + Nay, worse than this, the dread doth haunt me oft + That this bewilderment of doubt may run + Through all the lives that I shall live on earth. + +GRAND MASTER: + + The picture, which thou sawest, my good friend, + Before my spirit stood out strong and clear + Whilst thou didst paint it in those vivid words; + And as thou didst speak further, then it grew + In breadth before mine eyes until I saw + How cosmic aims are linked to human fate. + +(Exeunt.) + +(After an interval, the two Masters of Ceremonies enter.) + +FIRST MASTER OF CEREMONIES: + + Dear brother, I must openly confess + That our Grand Master's clemency exceeds + My comprehension, when I needs must see + What bitter wrong our foes inflict on us. + Although they will not study what we teach + They scruple not to paint us in men's eyes + As heretics and messengers from hell. + +SECOND MASTER OF CEREMONIES: + + His clemency from our own teaching flows. + Can we proclaim life's highest aim to be + To understand the soul of every man, + And then misunderstand our foes ourselves? + There are amongst them many men indeed + Who follow in the footsteps of the Christ. + Yet even from the souls of such as these + The essence of our teachings must be veiled, + Though they should hear them with the outer ear. + Remember, brother, how reluctantly, + And with what inner conflict, thou wast led + To grant admission to the spirit-voice. + We know, from what the master hath revealed, + That future men will see in Spirit-light + The lofty Being of the Sun, who trod + This Earth once only in a human frame. + This revelation we with joy believe + And gladly follow where our leaders tread. + Yet but a short time since these weighty words + Were said by him whom we acclaim as Head: + 'Your souls must ripen slowly, if indeed + With eyes prophetic ye would see today + That which the men of later days shall see + And ye must not imagine,' said our chief, + 'That after passing one initial test + Ye can have sight of things that are to be. + When ye shall have attained to certainty + That all mankind must needs be born again, + Ye then will have to meet the second test + Which sets your personal illusions free + To dim the radiance of the Spirit-light.' + This solemn warning, too, the master gave: + 'Ofttimes reflect, in meditation's hour, + How psychic monsters, of illusion born, + Beset the path of those who seek the light. + Who falls their victim may see even there + Human existence where the Spirit seeks + To be revealed to Spirit-light alone. + If ye would worthily prepare yourselves + To recognize, by help of inner sight, + The Light of Wisdom streaming from the Christ, + Over yourselves ye must keep watch and ward + Lest personal illusion blind you then + When your souls think that it is furthest off.' + With this injunction clearly held in view + We soon shall rid us of the vain belief + That in these times we can transmit these truths, + Whose beauty we confess within our souls, + In easy manner to posterity. + Rather must we take comfort from the fact, + That we today can meet so many souls + In whom the seed, although they know it not, + Already hath been sown for future lives. + This seed can only manifest itself + In man, by opposition to those Powers + With which it later will ally itself. + In all this hatred which pursues us now + I do but see the seed of future love. + +FIRST MASTER OF CEREMONIES: + + Certain it is that highest truth's intent + Can only in such manner be disclosed; + Yet hard it seems in this our present age + To shape our lives to follow out its aim. + +SECOND MASTER OF CEREMONIES: + + Here too I follow out our master's words: + 'It is not granted unto all mankind + To live Earth's future stages in advance. + But individuals there must ever be + Who can foresee what later days will bring, + And who devote their feeling to those Powers + Which loose all being from its present ties + To guard it safe for all Eternity.' + +The curtain falls, while the two Masters of Ceremonies are still in +the hall + + + + + + +SCENE 9 + + +The woodland meadow, as in Scene 6. Joseph Keane, Dame Keane, their +daughter Bertha; afterwards, Countryfolk, later the Monk; finally +Keane's foster-daughter Cecilia and Thomas. + +BERTHA: + + Dear mother, I so long to hear the tale + Cecilia often spake of years ago. + Thou dost know all those fairy-tales to tell + Which father brings back with him from the knights + When he comes home, and which with greatest joy + So many friends are always glad to hear. + +KEANE: + + The soul can find real treasure in those tales. + The gifts which on the spirit they confer + Decay not with the body in the grave + But bear their fruits in later lives on earth. + Darkly, as through a glass, we glimpse their truth; + And from such darkened sight, our souls can win + Knowledge to serve our needs in daily life. + If only folk could realize the store + Of precious gifts our knights have to bestow! + Cecilia and Thomas have, alas, + Deaf ears at present for such things as these; + Since they draw wisdom from another source. + +BERTHA: + + Today I fain would listen to that tale + Which tells about the Evil and the Good. + +DAME KEANE: + + Right gladly will I tell it thee. Attend. + Once on a time there lived a man who spent + Much time in puzzling over cosmic truths. + That which tormented his poor brain the most + Was, how to learn of Evil's origin. + And to that question he could not reply. + The world was made by God, so he would say, + And God can only have in him the Good. + How then doth Evil spring from out the Good? + Time and again he puzzled over this, + But could not find the answer that he sought. + Now it befell that on a certain day + This seeker on his travels passed a tree + That was engaged in converse with an axe. + Unto the tree the axe did speak these words: + 'That which thou canst not do I can achieve, + I can fell thee; but thou canst not fell me.' + Unto the vain axe thus the tree replied: + ''Twas but a year ago a man did cleave + The very wood of which thine haft is made + Out of my body with another axe.' + 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 words, + But which completely answered his demand: + How Evil could originate from Good. + +KEANE: + + Think on this story, daughter and thou'lt see, + How contemplating nature's mysteries + May form fresh knowledge in a human head. + I know how many things I can make clear + Unto myself by spinning out in thought + The tales by which the knights enlighten us. + +BERTHA: + + I know I am a simple little thing, + Without ability to understand + The learned words which clever people use + In setting forth the science they profess. + I have no taste for matters of that kind. + Whenever Thomas tells us of his work + I nearly fall asleep. But I could spend + Unnumbered hours in listening to the tales + Which father brings back home on his return + From visiting the castle, and wherewith + He often weaves a story of his own + As he recounts them to us hour on hour. + +(Exeunt.) + +(After an interval, the Countryfolk come across the meadow.) + +FIRST COUNTRYMAN: + + My uncle yesterday came home again. + He dwelt a long time in Bohemia, + And earned an honest living in the mines. + Full many a bit of news he hath to tell + Picked up by him upon his journeyings. + Excitement and unrest are everywhere. + Attacks are made upon the Spirit-Knights. + Our local brotherhood can not escape; + Already preparations have been made + And ere long will this castle be besieged. + +SECOND COUNTRYMAN: + + I hope 'twill not be long 'ere they attack. + Many amongst us will most certainly + Gladly enlist among the fighting-men; + I mean to be among the first myself. + +FIRST COUNTRYWOMAN: + + Thou wilt but hurry headlong to thy doom! + How can a man be such a witless fool! + Hast thou forgot how strongly fortified + The castle is? The battle will be grim. + +SECOND COUNTRYWOMAN: + + It is no business of the countryfolk + To mix with things they do not understand. + Yet there are many hereabouts today + Who do naught else but go from place to place + And fan the embers of revolt and strife. + Things have already come to such a pass + That sick folk have to cry in vain for aid. + The good man who in former days was wont + To help so many in sore need, can now + No more pass out beyond the castle gates, + So cruelly have folk belaboured him. + +THIRD COUNTRYWOMAN: + + Of course! for many people were enraged + On hearing from what source the sickness came + That broke out, all at once, among our cows. + The Jew brought this upon them by his spells. + He only seems to make sick people well + In order, by the use of hellish arts, + Better to serve the ends of evil powers. + +THIRD COUNTRYMAN: + + This fuss about vile heresy is nought, + And matters not. The fact is that these folk + Had all they needed, and nought else to do + But spend their leisure in abusive talk. + A clever judge of human nature then + Devised this silly tale about the Jew, + How he had laid a spell upon our stock. + And so from this alone the storm arose. + +FOURTH COUNTRYMAN: + + I think that every one of you might know + What wars do mean, with all their misery. + Have not our fathers told us all that they + Must needs endure, when all the countryside + Was overrun by bands of soldiery? + +FOURTH COUNTRYWOMAN: + + I always said that it would come to pass: + Their lordships' rule must shortly fade away. + Already hath a dream revealed to me + How we can be of service to the troops + When they arrive to carry out the siege, + And take good care of all their creature needs. + +FIFTH COUNTRYMAN: + + If dreams today are still to be believed, + That is a matter we need not discuss. + The knights have tried to make us cleverer + Than were our fathers. Now they have to learn + How much our cleverness hath been increased. + Our fathers let them in; in our turn we + Shall drive them out. I know the secret tracks + That yield an entrance to the fortalice. + I used to work within it until rage + Drove me away; now will I show the knights + How we can make their science serve our ends. + +FIFTH COUNTRYWOMAN: + + He surely hath no good thought in his heart; + I trembled as I listened to his words. + +SIXTH COUNTRYMAN: + + In spirit-vision I have lately seen + A traitor leading hostile soldiery + By secret ways into the castle's keep. + +SIXTH COUNTRYWOMAN: + + Such visions are destructive, I should say. + No one who thinks as Christians ought to think + But is aware that honesty alone, + Not treason, can from evil set us free. + +SIXTH COUNTRYMAN: + + I let folk talk, and help as best I can. + How often do we hear a thing called wrong + By those who lack the courage in themselves + To do that very thing. Let's go our ways; + I see the father coming down the road; + We will not interrupt his train of thought. + I found no difficulty up till now + In understanding everything he taught; + But in the sermon which he preached today + He said much that one could not understand. + +(The Countryfolk go away towards the forest.) + +(After an interval the Monk comes along the meadow path.) + +MONK: + + It must be that a soul is led astray + In striving to pursue her natural course. + The weakness of my heart alone allowed + Such visions to appear before mine eyes + As those which I beheld within those walls. + That they must show themselves to me in strife + Is proof enough how little yet in me + The psychic forces work in harmony. + Therefore will I address myself anew + To kindle in myself those potent words + Which bring me light from out the Spirit-heights. + That man alone prefers another road, + Whom personal illusions have made blind. + The soul can only triumph over lies + By proving herself worthy of the grace + Which Spirit-light, outpoured from founts of love, + In words of wisdom doth reveal to her. + I know that I shall find the greatest strength + Which can throw light on what the Fathers taught. + When from the gloom of self's imaginings + With lowly heart submissive I can flee. + +(Exit.) + +(After an interval there appear on the meadow Cecilia and Thomas.) + +CECILIA: + + Dear brother, when in fervent ecstasy + Of silent prayer my soul did bow herself + Unto the Fountain of the World, and yearn + Whole-heartedly to be made one therewith, + A light before my spirit would appear-- + With gentle warmth and radiancy aglow; + This then transformed itself into a man + Who looked into my face with tender eyes, + And spoke to me. These were the vision's words: + 'Human delusion left thee once forlorn, + And now thou art upborne by human love; + Wait therefore until longing finds a way + To bring the seeker safely to thy side.' + Thus spake this human figure oft to me; + Nor could I fathom what the words might mean; + And yet a dim foreboding made me glad, + That some time they should be fulfilled for me. + And then, beloved brother, thou didst come, + And when I first set eyes upon thy face, + I felt my senses leave me; for thou wast + That human figure's very counterpart. + +THOMAS: + + Dream and foreboding told thee but the truth, + Indeed 'twas longing guided me to thee. + +CECILIA: + + And when thou didst request me as thy wife + I thought the Spirit had ordained it so. + +THOMAS: + + That in good truth the Spirit's purpose was + To re-unite us, clearly may be seen, + Although we read it not aright at first. + As wife and helpmeet, sent me from above, + So didst thou seem to me, when first we met. + And then my long-lost sister did I find. + +CECILIA: + + And henceforth nothing shall divide us twain. + +THOMAS: + + Yet many obstacles between us rise. + Thy foster-parents by close ties are bound + Unto the brotherhood which I must spurn. + +CECILIA: + + They are incarnate love and kindness both; + And loyal friendship will they give to thee. + +THOMAS: + + My creed will separate me from their love. + +CECILIA: + + Through me you will find out the way to them. + +THOMAS: + + Keane, the dear fellow, is so obstinate; + He never will see aught but darkness there + Where I perceive the very fount of light. + In riper years it was first granted me + To turn my steps toward this light of truth, + Since all I learned of it in childhood's days + Upon my spirit made but little mark; + Whilst later on, my every thought was bent + On scientific knowledge as a means + To gain a livelihood. When I came here + At last I found the teacher and the guide + Who had the power to liberate my soul. + The teaching he hath let me listen to + Doth bear the very stamp of truth itself. + Such is his speech that heart and head alike + Must yield themselves as captives to his words, + So full at once of gentleness and good. + I took the greatest trouble heretofore + To understand the other spirit type; + And found it could but unto error lead. + Since it clings only to those spirit-powers + Which may be faithful guides in earthly ways + But cannot lift one up to higher worlds. + How shall I therefore ever find the way + Into the hearts of people who believe + That from this error all salvation springs? + +CECILIA: + + I hear thy words, dear brother, and they seem + The product of no peaceful frame of mind. + Yet 'tis a peaceful scene of former days + Which they have reawakened in my soul. + 'Twas one Good Friday, many years ago, + I saw the scene of which I speak to thee. + It happened that upon that day the man + Who wore my brother's features, said to me: + 'From source divine hath sprung the human soul; + It can in death dive down to nature's depths, + In time it will set spirit free from death.' + Not until afterwards was I aware + That these words are the motto of our knights. + +THOMAS: + + Alas! my sister, that thy lips should speak + Those evil words, which our opponents take + As revelation of the highest truth. + +CECILIA: + + I have at heart no sympathy at all + With outward acts committed by the knights; + I truly serve the creed that nourished thee. + 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 trod. + The Spirit's pupil am I, staunch and true, + And I confess that it is my belief + That on that day, my brother's spirit strove + To speak of aims that lead the soul to peace. + +THOMAS: + + The powers of destiny have not ordained + Peace for the soul, it seems, for thee and me; + They take our father from us that same hour + That sees him once again restored to us. + +CECILIA: + + My faculties are clouded o'er with pain + When of our father thus I hear thee speak. + Thy heart would draw thee to his side in love, + And yet thou tremblest at the very thought + Of union with him whilst he is alive. + Thou followest our leader in good faith, + Yet canst not hear the messages of love + Which his commands so tenderly convey. + A dark enigma faceth me; I see + The goodness of thy heart, thy steadfast faith, + And yet must shudder at the deep abyss + That yawns so horribly betwixt you twain. + And did not hope live on to comfort me, + And tell me love is never overcome + I should lack courage to endure this pain. + +THOMAS: + + Dear sister, thou hast yet to learn the power + Of thought, once it hath gripped a human soul. + This is no case of son opposing sire; + But one thought from another turns away. + Thought is the sovereign whom my soul obeys; + Did I refuse her homage I should be + In very truth my spirit's murderer. + +Curtain; Thomas and Cecilia still standing in the meadow + +(This closes the vision into the XIVth Century and the following is +the sequel of the events described in the first five scenes.) + + + + + + +SCENE 10 + + +The same landscape as in Scene 5. + +CAPESIUS (waking from the vision which had brought his previous +incarnation before his soul): + + This unfamiliar landscape, and this seat, + A cottage and a wood in front of me! + Are they familiar? Urgently they claim + Familiarity; yet thy do lie + Upon my nature, like some heavy weight. + They seem like real things. But no; all this + Is but a picture of soul substance spun. + I know how pictures such as these are made + Out of the thirst and longing of the soul. + As if awaking from my craving's dream + From out the spirit-ocean I have come-- + And memory, dread and shuddering shape, appears + To bring to mind these longings of my soul. + How burnt my thirst to know the world's design! + This longing vain, of self-denial born, + Consumed my nature to its very roots. + Sought I existence with impetuous will, + Then all the world's design did flee from me. + A moment, of eternity methinks, + Poured out such storms of suffering on my soul + As only can be felt in life's full course. + Between me and this craving fear there stood + That which had brought this fear to life in me. + I felt myself embrace the universe + And all my personality was lost.... + But no, it was not I who felt like this, + It was another being sprung from me. + I saw mankind and all its works evolve + From cosmic thoughts which rushing fast through Space, + Pressed on in eagerness to be revealed. + They drew the picture of a living world + In all its detail spread before my gaze. + From my soul-substance did they draw the power + With which to fashion Being out of Thought. + And as this world condensed before mine eyes, + My personal sense of feeling passed from me. + And words resounded from this picture-world, + Thinking themselves; and thrust themselves on me. + From out life's needs they brought to being things, + And gifted them with power from deeds of good. + Thus they resounded through the breadths of Space: + 'O man know thou thyself within thy world.' + Then saw I one who stood in front of me + And, showing me his soul, displayed mine own. + And then the cosmic words went on to say: + 'So long as in the circle of thy life + Thou canst not feel this being close entwined, + Thou art a dream, and dost but dream thy life.' + I could not think in figures clear and plain; + I did but see bewildering forces press + From thought to life, and from life back to thought-- + But if my spirit seeks yet further back + And recollects what I beheld before, + A living picture stands before my soul, + Which is not blurred, as was all else that I + In later moments could experience, + But which more plainly sets before my soul + Men's lives and actions with each detail clear. + I gaze upon this picture, and can tell + What men these are, and what it is they do; + I recognize each soul I look upon, + Although their bodies' shapes are not the same. + I look upon all this as though myself + Were then a person living in this world; + But none the less with cold unfeeling eye + I scan a picture that seems life itself. + It seems as if its working on my soul + Reserves itself until that later time + Which to my spirit earlier was displayed. + Within a spirit-brotherhood I could + Myself and others clearly recognize; + And yet just as a man doth feel a scene + Of bygone days arise from memory's fount, + Thomas I see, a miner and my son, + And forthwith I must call to mind that soul, + Who, as Thomasius, is known to me. + The lady whom I know as seeress now + Stands there before mine eyes as mine own child. + Maria, who befriends Thomasius, + Reveals herself to me in monkish garb, + And doth condemn the spirit-brotherhood. + And Strader wears the visage of the Jew. + In Joseph Keane and in his wife I see + The souls of Felix and Felicia. + The others' lives lie open to my view + Without concealment; so too, doth mine own. + But while I am engrossed in reading it, + The picture fades and disappears from view. + And I can feel that those soul-elements + Of which that living picture was composed + Themselves are pouring into mine own soul. + I feel myself endowed with strength of soul + In my whole being, and I seem set free + From all the fetters of the world of sense: + My being doth embrace the universe. + Thus do I feel that instant so prolonged + Which I was able to live through, before + That living picture rose before mine eyes. + And now still further backward can I look. + Itself condensing out of cosmic thought + This forest doth appear before my gaze, + This house where Felix and Felicia + So often brought me comfort in distress. + Now--in the world I find myself once more + From which a moment since I felt myself + Removed by vast expanse of time and space. + And that which latterly I still could see: + The picture which disclosed to me myself + Is wafted like some misty fantasy + O'er all that now I feel by means of sense. + It is a nightmare, that oppresseth me; + It gropes in deep recesses of my soul; + It opens cosmic doors to breadths of Space. + What storm is this that shakes my being's depths, + What enters forcibly from cosmic space? + +A VOICE (representing spirit-conscience): + + Feel now what thou hast seen, + Live o'er what thou hast done + Refreshed from Being's source; + Thine own life hast thou dreamed. + Work out this deed in thee + With noble spirit-light: + Regard thy daily task + With force of spirit-sight. + If this thou canst not do, + To empty Nothingness + Thou art for ever doomed. + +Curtain, before Capesius has left the stage + + + + + + +SCENE 11 + + +The same meditation-chamber as in Scene 2. Maria, Ahriman. + +AHRIMAN: + + So Benedictus spun a cunning web + Of thought, whose pattern thou hast followed out, + And now thou art fast bound in error's toils. + Thomasius too and e'en Capesius + Are victims of this same illusion's spell. + For at the same time as thine eyes beheld + This long-past earthly life--so too did theirs. + Henceforward 'tis in that time thou dost seek + To find the causes of thy present life; + 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 imaginings. + That Benedictus took from thine own brain, + And placed these visions in an earlier age, + Thine own self's knowledge can quite clearly prove. + Thou sawst people of this present time + But little changed from those of former days. + Woman thou sawst as woman, man as man, + And all their attributes were similar; + Thou canst not therefore any longer doubt + That what thou didst transfer to time's dim past + By spirit-vision, far from being truth + Was but the vain delusion of thy soul. + +MARIA: + + In thee I see the sire of all deceit; + Yet know I too thou oft dost speak the truth. + And any one who chose to set aside + All counsel that might reach him through thy words + To utmost error soon would fall a prey. + And as illusion wears the mask of truth + The better to ensnare the souls of men, + So 'tis but easy for a man to yield + Thereto, by trying like a coward to slink + Past every place where error might be hid. + More than illusion finds the soul in thee; + For in the Spirit of Deceit doth live + The force that gives mankind discernment true. + I therefore shall oppose thee without fear. + Thou hast attacked that portion of my soul + Which must at all times keep the most alert. + If I weigh all the evidence which thou + In clever calculation hast advanced, + 'Twould seem that only pictures from my brain + Have been transferred into an earthly past. + Yet would I ask thee if thy wisdom can + Unlock the door of every earthly age? + +AHRIMAN: + + No beings live in any spirit-realm + Which set themselves to thwart me when I seek + Admission into any earthly age. + +MARIA: + + The lofty Powers of Fate have chosen well + In setting thee to be their enemy. + Thou dost encourage all thou wouldst restrain. + Thou bringest freedom to the souls of men + When thou dost penetrate to their soul-depths. + From thee originate the powers of thought + Whence knowledge springs with all its vain deceits + But which can also guide man to the truth. + 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 thereon. + It is a realm in which the souls of men + Do gather knowledge through their reason's powers, + Which knowledge they will afterwards transmute + To Spirit-wisdom. If I have the strength + To forge the word of truth into that sword, + That very moment thou must flee from hence. + So hearken well, thou sire of all deceit; + If truth triumphant I proclaim to thee-- + In earthly evolution there are times + In which the ancient forces slowly die, + And dying, see the growth of newer ones. + At such a cyclic point my friends and I + Did find ourselves drawn close by spirit-bonds + Whilst seeking out our former lives on earth. + True Spirit-men were working at that time, + United in a brotherhood of souls + Whose aims were sought in mysticism's realm. + Now, at such seasons certain tendencies + Are carefully implanted in men's souls, + Which need a long time for full ripening. + In their next incarnation, therefore, men + Must show strong traces of their previous life. + At such times, many men will be reborn + In their succeeding lives as men--so too + Women as women often re-appear. + At that time also is the interval + Shorter than usual 'twixt two earthly lives. + To understand aright these cyclic points + Thou lackest power, and therefore canst not yet + Survey their growth with eyes from error free. + Call but to mind the time when last we met + In temples of that Spirit-brotherhood: + Then thou spakest words of flattery, intent + To break my inner consciousness of self. + I recollect this time; and draw therefrom + The force now to oppose myself to thee. + +(Ahriman withdraws with reluctant mien. Thunder.) + +MARIA: + + Defeated he has had to leave the spot + Which Benedictus hath so often blessed. + But unto me hath been made manifest + How lightly souls may into error fall + Who give themselves unto the Spirit-voice + Without due heed, and shun the safer ways. + The Enemy indeed hath mighty power + Life's contradictions to accentuate + And thus rob souls of their security. + He must fall silent when the Light appears + That from the fount of Wisdom issuing + Doth bring full clearness to our spirit-sight. + +Curtain, while Maria is still in the room + + + + + + +SCENE 12 + + +The same. Johannes and Lucifer. + +LUCIFER: + + Take warning by Capesius' fate and learn + What fruits are ripened when a soul attempts + To penetrate too soon the spirit-world. + He knows the words writ in his book of life + And knows his tasks for many lives to come. + But suffering not ordained by destiny + Is wrought by knowledge which hath not the power + To change itself to deeds in earthly life. + The choice that to successful issue leads + Depends upon the ripeness of the will. + At every step that he would take in life + Henceforth Capesius must ask himself: + Can all my obligations thus be met + Which are the outgrowth of my former lives? + So o'er his path a dazzling light is shed, + Causing his eyes to suffer from the glare + And giving him no help upon his way. + It kills the forces which, whilst still unknown, + Are trusty guides for every human soul, + And doth not aid the power of careful thought. + Thus it can only hurt the body's strength + Before the soul hath learned to conquer it. + +JOHANNES: + + I can perceive the error of my life. + I stole the soul-powers from my carnal frame + And proudly carried them to spirit-heights. + Yet it was not a human being whole + That thus was carried upward to the light. + Nought was it but the shadow of a soul, + Which could but rhapsodize of spirit-realms + And feel a oneness with creative powers; + It wished to live all blissful in the light + And deeds of light in colour to behold; + It fancied that as artist it could paint + Spirit-existence in a world of sense. + This form that took its semblance from mine own + Hath shown to me myself with cruel truth. + I dreamed of soul-love, pure and free from stain, + Whilst passion yet was coursing through my veins. + But now mine eyes have seen the earthly road + Which is the real creative force in life. + And shows me whither I must truly strive. + 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 home. + The fashion of his life must be for me + The rule by which to seek my present goal. + I've striven for attainment here and now + Of things that only later can bear fruit. + +LUCIFER: + + My light must serve to guide thy further steps + As it hath done to guide them hitherto. + The spirit-path which thou hast sought to tread + Can wed the spirit to the lofty heights, + But to thy soul it bringeth nought but gloom. + +JOHANNES: + + What hath a man attained who gives himself + A soul-less puppet to the spirit-world? + E'en at the end of all his earthly days + He is but that same being which he was, + When in earth's primal days his human form + From out the cosmic womb did first emerge. + If to those impulses I yield myself + Which, springing from unfathomed depths of soul, + Clamour imperiously for life and form, + Then in me works the universal all. + I know not then what drives me on to act; + But surely it must be the cosmic will + Which leads me on to its appointed goal. + This will must know the wherefore of man's life + Though human knowledge cannot make it plain. + That which in perfect manhood it creates + Is vital wealth wherewith to form the soul. + To it will I surrender, and no more + By idle spirit-striving kill it out. + +LUCIFER: + + Myself I work in this same cosmic will + When it flows mightily through human souls, + Which are but limbs of higher entities + Until they can experience my power. + And 'tis my task to make them perfect men + And fit themselves into the universe. + +JOHANNES: + + I long have thought I knew the whole of thee; + Yet dwelt within me but thy phantom shade + Portrayed there by my visionary dreams. + Now must I feel thee, live thee by my will; + Then can I overcome thee later on + If so 'tis written in my destiny. + Let spirit-knowledge, that I gained too soon, + Repose henceforth within mine inmost soul + Till impulses in life shall call it forth. + With confidence I yield me to that will + That hath more wisdom than the human soul. + +(Exit Johannes with Lucifer.) + +Curtain + + + + + + +SCENE 13 + + +The Temple of the Sun; hidden site of the Mysteries of the Hierophants; +Lucifer, Ahriman, the three Soul-Figures, Strader, Benedictus, +Theodosius, Romanus, Maria. + +(Enter first Lucifer and Ahriman.) + +LUCIFER: + + 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 realm. + 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 down. + Yet all my hopes must forthwith disappear + That victory is ours in spirit-realms, + Since thou art worsted, comrade of my fight. + Thou wast unable to o'erpower the soul + Which was to bring our labours to their goal. + The human soul that gave itself to me + I can possess and in our kingdom hold + For short earth-lives alone, but all in vain; + For then I must restore it to our foes. + To win outright we need the other, too, + That hath withdrawn itself from thy domain. + +AHRIMAN: + + The times are not well suited to my arts, + I find no means of access to men's souls. + See, here comes one whom I did sorely plague. + Though ignorant in spirit he draws nigh; + For reason doth compel him to push on. + So I withdraw from him and from this place + Which he can only tread unconsciously. + +(The three Soul-Figures with Strader.) + +PHILIA: + + With faith's clear power will I myself imbue + And force of living trust will I breathe deep, + From out the soul's glad striving that the light + May dawn upon the spirit-slumberer. + +ASTRID: + + With humble joy of soul will I entwine + That which hath been revealed; and will condense + The rays of hope that light in dark may shine; + And twilight in the light, that thus the powers + May bear aloft the spirit-slumberer. + +LUNA: + + Soul light will I make warm, and will make hard + The power of love. Then shall they daring grow, + And shall release themselves, and mounting up + Endue themselves with weight, that cosmic loads + May fall from off the spirit-slumberer + That his soul's love of light may set him free. + +BENEDICTUS: + + My comrades, I have hither summoned you + Who with me seek to find the spirit-light + That should flow streaming to the souls of men. + Ye know the nature of the sun of soul; + Oft doth it shine with fullest noontide glare, + And then again like feeble twilight steal + Powerless through mists of visionary dream. + And often doth the darkness drive it out. + The temple-servants' spirit-gaze must pierce + To soul depths where there shines with powerful ray, + The spirit-light that comes from cosmic heights. + Then too it must disclose mysterious aims + That lurk unnoticed in the soul's dark lairs + Intent on shaping man's development. + 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 high. + The sleep of knowledge still envelops him; + But spirit-calls already have been heard + In his soul's depths of which he never knew. + That which they spoke deep in his inmost soul + Will shortly find its way to spirit-ears. + +THEODOSIUS: + + This soul hath not been able hitherto + To recognize itself in spirit-light + That through sense-revelation is outpoured, + To show the meaning of all earthly growth. + It saw God's spirit stripped of nature's guise, + And Nature's self estranged from deity. + And so through many lives it had to pass + And stay a stranger to the sense of life; + It could but find alone such carnal tenements + To carry out its individual work + As barred it from the cosmos and from man. + Now in the temple it will earn the power + To recognize strange Being as its own, + And so be able to attain the force + That leads out from the labyrinths of thought + And points the way unto the springs of life. + +BENEDICTUS: + + Another man strives to the temple's light; + Though not at once will he approach its doors + And seek for entrance to this hallowed spot. + Throughout a life of studious research + He planted germs of thought in his soul-depths. + And so perforce the spirit-light went forth + To ripen them outside our temple's doors. + '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 by. + Now he can see the errors of that life + And realize what their result will be, + But lacketh power, those duties to fulfil, + Which through self-knowledge he can recognize. + +ROMANUS: + + Capesius shall, through the temple's power, + Learn how a man must, in a single life, + Take up a load of duties which demand + For their entire accomplishment the space + Of many lives of earthly pilgrimage. + So casting fear aside he will admit + That ancient errors with their consequence + Pursue the soul e'en past the gate of death. + Nor shall he then be vanquished in the fight + By which the spirit-portals are flung wide + If eye to eye, undaunted, he shall brave + The Guardian of the Threshold of that realm. + 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 decrees. + His insight will admit with courage then + That of self-knowledge suffering is the fruit + For which she knows no words of comforting. + Will shall become his comrade on the way + Which faceth boldly all that may befall, + And, heartened by a draught from hope's clear spring, + Endures the pain of widening consciousness. + +BENEDICTUS: + + Ye have, my brothers, at this present hour,-- + True servants of the temple that ye are,-- + 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 you. + Yet other work the temple-service claims. + Here by our side the Lord of Wishes stands; + He can be present in this holy place + Because Johannes' soul unbarred for him + The gates which he would otherwise find barred. + The brother who is our initiate + Lacks for the moment courage to withstand + With power the words that from the darkness rise. + The powers of good can only strengthen him + When on their opposite they test themselves. + 'Twill not be long ere he again appears + Here in this temple, compassed by our love. + Yet must his spirit-treasure guarded be + Now that he must descend into the dark. + +(Turning to Lucifer.) + + Thee must I now address who not for long + Canst occupy the ground where thou dost stand. + The temple's power can at the present time + Not yet release Johannes from thy grasp. + In times to come he will be ours again, + When those fruits of our sister shall be ripe + Whose blossoms we already see unfold. + +(Maria appears.) + + She could behold in bygone earthly lives + How closely linked Johannes was to her. + He followed after her so long ago + As in these days when she would fain oppose + The light whose humble handmaid now she is. + 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 severance. + +LUCIFER: + + But Benedictus' will itself compelled + Johannes' and Maria's souls to part. + And wheresoe'er men from each other part + There is the field made ready for my power. + I ever work for separateness of soul, + To set the earth-life free, and for all time + To break its servitude to cosmic chains. + Maria's being, in monastic garb, + Turned from its father yonder soul away + That now is dweller in Johannes' form. + This too hath caused some germs of mine to sprout + Which I shall surely bring to ripening. + +MARIA (turning to Lucifer): + + In human nature there are springs of love + To which thy power can never penetrate. + They are unsealed when faults of former lives-- + A load unwittingly assumed by man,-- + Are in a later life by spirit seen, + And by the free-will of self-sacrifice + Transformed to earthly action, which shall tend + To bear fruit for the real good of man. + The powers of destiny have granted me + The vision which can penetrate the past; + 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 earth. + I saw how in its earthly frame of yore + Johannes' soul turned from his sire away, + And saw the forces that compelled myself + To make the son repel the father's heart. + Thus is the father now opposed to me + To bring to mind my own offence of old. + Plainly he speaks in cosmic language clear + Whose symbols are the actions of man's life. + That which I set between the sire and son + Must reappear, though in another form + In this my life in which Johannes' soul + Hath once again been closely knit to mine. + The suffering which I had to undergo + In severing Johannes from myself + Was but my own act's fated consequence. + If now my soul is faithful to the light + Which from the spirit-forces comes to it, + It will be strengthened by the services + Which it may render to Capesius + In this sore stress of his life-pilgrimage. + And with such forces, similarly won, + Will also learn to see Johannes' star + When he, by fetters of desire misled + Treads not the way illumined by the light. + 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 weal. + +BENEDICTUS: + + In olden days on earth was formed a knot + Of threads which Karma spins world-fashioning. + Three human lives are interwoven there, + And now upon this fateful knot there shines + This holy temple's lofty spirit-light. + 'Tis thee, Maria, I must now address; + Of these three souls at this time thou alone + Art present at the place of sacrifice. + 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 two. + The father could not in his former life + His son's heart find; but now in other scenes + The spirit-seeker will accompany + Thy friend's self on its way to spirit-land. + And thine is now the duty to maintain + Johannes' soul in light by thine own force. + Once didst thou hold it in so fast a bond + That it could only blindly follow thee. + Thou didst then give it back its liberty, + When still it clung to thee in fancy fond. + But thou shalt once more find it, when, self-willed, + It wins its individuality. + If thy soul to that light holds ever true + Which powers from spirit-realms bestow on thee, + Johannes' soul will thirst to drink of thine + E'en where the Lord of all Desire holds sway; + And through the love which holds it bound to thee + It will regain the path to light on high. + For ever must a living being strive + Through light or darkness, which hath once beheld + And known the heights of spirit in its soul. + It hath drawn breath from cosmic distances + Of air that pulseth with immortal life, + And living raiseth all our human kind + From its soul depths up to the sunshine's heights. + +Curtain + + + + + + + + + +THE GUARDIAN OF THE THRESHOLD + + +SUMMARY OF THE SCENES + + +Scene 1: The ante-chamber to the rooms of the Mystic League. The +reincarnated country folk have been invited to attend a meeting here. + +Scene 2: The same. Thomasius is invited to join the league and receive +the blessing of the Rosy Cross. He declines on the ground that he +has undertaken other work inconsistent with the objects of the league. + +Scene 3: The kingdom of Lucifer. + + The challenge: + Lucifer: 'I mean to fight.' + Benedictus: 'And fighting serve the gods.' + +Scene 4: The house of Strader and his wife Theodora. (Lucifer at +work.) Theodora's painful vision of Thomasius. + +Scene 5: The house of the Baldes. Strader's vision of his wife Theodora +who has recently died. Capesius as a medium. + +Scene 6: The groves of Lucifer and Ahriman and their creatures who +dance. Dame Balde's fable. + +Scene 7: The Guardian of the Threshold. + +Scene 8: The kingdom of Ahriman. The reincarnated country folk come +here unconsciously at night. Strader comes consciously. + +Scene 9: The home of Benedictus, overlooking a factory town. The law +of number. + +Scene 10: The Temple of the Mystic League. The admission of Thomasius +and others. + + + + + + +PERSONS, APPARITIONS, AND EVENTS + + +The spiritual and psychic experiences of the characters, sketched in +this series of scenic pictures called 'The Guardian of the Threshold,' +are a continuation of those which appeared before in my life pictures +called 'The Portal of Initiation' and 'The Soul's Probation,' and are +supposed to take place about fifteen years later than the occurrences +in 'The Portal of Initiation.' + +The three plays together form an organic whole. + +In 'The Guardian of the Threshold' the following persons and beings +appear: + +I. Representatives of the Element of Spirit: + + 1. Benedictus. Leader of the Temple of the Sun and the teacher of + a number of people who appear in 'The Guardian of the + Threshold.' + 2. Hilary True-to-God, Grand Master of the Mystic League, + represented in a former incarnation in 'The Soul's Probation' + as the Grand Master of a Mystic Brotherhood. + 3. Johannes Thomasius, a pupil of Benedictus, sometimes called + Johannes and sometimes Thomasius. + +II. Representatives of the Element of Sacrifice: + + 4. Magnus Bellicosus, Preceptor of the Mystic League, known as + Germanus in 'The Portal of Initiation.' + 5. Albertus Torquatus, Master of the Ceremonies in the Mystic + League, known as Theodosius in 'The Portal of Initiation.' + 6. Professor Capesius. + +III. Representatives of the Element of Will: + + 7. Frederick Trustworthy, Master of the Ceremonies in the Mystic + League. The Reincarnation of the Second Master of the Ceremonies + of the Spirit-Brotherhood in 'The Soul's Probation'; and known + as 'Romanus' in 'The Portal of Initiation.' + 8. Theodora, a Seeress, in whom the Element of Will is changed + into a simple gift of prophecy. + 9. Doctor Strader. + +IV. The Representatives of the Element of Soul: + + 10. Maria, a pupil of Benedictus. + 11. Felix Balde. + 12. Dame Felicia, his wife. + +V. Beings from the Spirit World: + + Lucifer. + Ahriman. + +VI. Beings of the Element of Human Spirit: + + The Double of Thomasius. + The Soul of Theodora. + The Guardian of the Threshold. + Philia } The spiritual beings through whose agency the human + Astrid } soul forces are connected with the Cosmos. + Luna } + The Other Philia, the spiritual being who hinders the union of + the soul-powers with the Cosmos. + The Voice of Conscience. + +These spiritual beings are not intended to be allegorical or symbolic, +but realities, who to spiritual perception are exactly like physical +persons. + +The following persons are the reincarnations of the twelve peasants in +'The Soul's Probation': + + 1. Ferdinand Fox. + 2. Michael Nobleman. + 3. Bernard Straight. + 4. Francesca Humble. + 5. Mary Steadfast. + 6. Louisa Fear-God. + 7. Frederick Clear-Mind. + 8. Gasper Hotspur. + 9. George Candid. + 10. Mary Dauntless. + 11. Erminia Stay-at-Home. + 12. Katharine Counsel. + +In 'The Guardian of the Threshold' the nature of the reincarnation is +not to be regarded as a law holding good generally, but as something +which can only happen at a turning-point of time. Hence, for example, +the incidents of Scene 8 between Strader and the twelve others are +only possible at such a period. The spiritual entities taking part +in this play are by no means to be considered as merely allegory or +symbol. For any one who recognizes the spiritual world as reality, the +beings there exist, just as much as physical men in the sense-world, +and as such they may be portrayed. Spiritual beings do not have human +form, as they are bound to have upon the stage. If the writer of these +psychic incidents in pictures considered these beings to be allegories, +he would not have represented them in the way he has done. + +The systematic arrangement of the characters into groups (3 × 4) +is not intentional or in the original plan of the play; it is a +result--by way of afterthought--of the incidents, which are sketched +out quite independently, and fall naturally into such a division. It +would never have occurred to the author to include it in the original +plan; but it may be permitted to cite it here as a result. + +The scheme of stage decoration is in accordance with the planetary +signs shown in Dr. Steiner's Lecture on Occult Seals and Symbols. In +Scene 2, the walls and furniture, etc., are decorated with +Dr. Steiner's architectural design for Jupiter. Scene 4 is devoted +to Venus. And Dr. Steiner's symbols for the Sun govern the little +wooden hut and all its appurtenances in Scene 5. To the other scenes +no architectural design is applicable. + + + + +The costumes are as follows: + +Except when officiating as Hierophant Benedictus is in black frockcoat +and trousers. Hilary, Bellicosus, Torquatus, and Trustworthy are in +dark frockcoats etc., except when acting as officers in the Temple or +as leaders in the Mystic League. Johannes is in a dark blue velveteen +suit, short coat, breeches, and stockings. Capesius, when he is in the +soul, e.g., in Scenes 3 and 6, appears quite young, beardless, and in +flimsy blue and white robes; at other times in ordinary modern attire. + +Theodora, modern with a coloured stole. Strader, modern, short brown +jacket; except in Scene 4, where he is in grey lavender. + +Maria, modern with stole. + +Felix Balde, a blue tunic trimmed with fur. + +Felicia Balde, modern with stole. + +Lucifer, flowing crimson and red robes, long golden hair, and crowned +when on his throne. + +Ahriman in yellow robes. + +The Guardian of the Threshold, conventional angel with a flaming sword. + +Philia, Astrid, Luna, and the Other Philia, flowing muslin robes of +many colours, but Astrid is in white. + +The reincarnated male peasants are in frockcoats of very brilliant +colour, crimson, chocolate, blue, etc. The trousers, coat and waistcoat +are always to match. The women are in modern costumes with stoles. + +See also the notes on the costumes in the two preceding plays. + + + + + + + + + +THE GUARDIAN OF THE THRESHOLD + + +SCENE 1 + + +A hall with a ground tone of indigo blue. The antechamber to the +rooms in which a Mystic League carries on its work. In the centre a +large door with curtain. On each side of the door two pictures which +represent, beginning from the right of the stage, the Prophet Elijah, +John the Baptist, Raphael, the poet Novalis. There are present, +in a lively conversation twelve Persons, who in one way or another +take an interest in the activities of the League. Beside them: Felix +Balde and Doctor Strader. + +FOX: + + A most unusual summons 'tis indeed, + That draws us here together at this time. + It comes from men, who ever hold that they, + From all Earth's other children separate, + Are honoured with a special spirit-aim. + Their spirit-eyes shall now, however, see + That in the world's plan they must be bound close + With men whose spirit is unconsecrate; + Who face life's fight in their own strength alone. + I ne'er felt drawn towards such spirit-ways + As find their chief resource in secrecy, + And only care to hold fast to sound thought, + And to the commonsense of human minds. + This Spirit-League by which we now are called + Means not through this same call that we should be + Initiated in its higher aims. + It will thro' mystic dim word-portraiture + Keep us but in the Temple's outer courts; + And use our powers but as the people's voice-- + A cunning plan to strengthen its own will. + So shall we merely be the helpers blind + Of men who from the spirit heights above, + Look down to lead us on with beckoning hand. + They do not hold that we are ready yet + Even to take one step that might lead on + Toward their holy Temple's treasure-house, + Or to the spirit-light in which they dwell. + 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 dress. + And so 'twere surely best to shun each thing + That here is offered us in wisdom's garb; + That we at any rate may not appear + To strive without due proof against the work + Which is so highly prized by many men; + So would I counsel you at first to hear + What aim this wisdom-teacher hath in view + And then to follow simple commonsense. + Who takes such sense as guide within himself + Will not be led astray by tempting lures + Which from the Mystic Temple issue forth. + +MICHAEL NOBLEMAN: + + I do not know, I cannot even guess + With what strange spirit-gift these men are dowered + Who now desire to find a bridge to us. + But still I know well several honest men + Within the ranks of this same Spirit-League. + Strictly they guard the secret of the fount + Whence this their knowledge is supposed to come; + But that the fountain whence they drink is good, + Their life and deeds make manifest to all. + And all that from their circle issues forth + Bears on its face the mark of truest love. + So may we well believe the aim is good + Which leads them in this special way to men, + To whom the mystic path is strange and new, + But in whose souls the instinct for the truth + And honest goals of spirit-life find place. + +BERNARD STRAIGHT: + + Caution would seem to me our duty now. + I think the mystics find the time draws nigh + Which brings an ending to their sovereign power. + Reason will scarcely ask in future times + What dreams of truth these holy temples had. + 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 theirs. + Yet he had better shun the mystic's robe + Who only seeks to pass the portal by, + Which, like some barrier of heavenly light, + Shuts out his present life from other worlds. + For in that world 'twill be of small account + What value each shall put upon himself. + No higher value shall each one receive + Than universal judgment granteth him. + +FRANCESCA HUMBLE: + + 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 men. + He only in whose heart this light doth shine, + And pierce with warming glow his inmost soul + Can recognize the true worth of this hour, + Which opens up the mystic's solemn realm + Even to those who feel themselves too weak + To reach, through deep soul struggle, to the high + And consecrate abodes of spirit-light. + +MARY STEADFAST: + + Many sure signs show plainly much must change + Within those souls who strive to follow close + This guidance, in their daily life on earth; + 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 men. + It seems to me that what our time requires + Is leaders, who by using nature's powers + Can join dexterity to genius, + And working thus amidst the things of Earth + Fulfil their purpose in the world of men. + Such men do search for roots of spirit-work + Deep in the mother-earth of truth itself, + And thus are kept from idle wandering + Along the path away from human health. + 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' are. + 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 soul. + But now a hope doth rise within the breast + Whereof none heretofore can e'er have dreamed. + In Strader's workshops we can see, in small, + The working of those wonders, which, 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 souls. + +STRADER: + + Indeed such words as these are full of hope + About my seemingly successful work. + 'Tis true there yet remains the bridge to pass + Between experiment and actual use, + But still the eye of science up till now + Can only see that it is possible + That in technique the proof of all things lies. + The author of this work may be allowed + To speak here freely of the hopes he hath + As to the service it may render man. + He begs to be forgiven any words + That sound vainglorious to the general ear; + They only shadow forth the feelings whence + The strength for this work flows into his soul. + 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 sense. + Each day the work grows more mechanical, + Which makes for worth in life; and through such work + Man's life itself becomes mechanical. + Most likely much once held as burdensome + May now be proved of service to mankind. + 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-aims. + But little was achieved through all this strife + In which one question only seemed of weight, + How man should act towards his fellow-men. + I have myself spent many a solemn hour + In thinking out this riddle of man's life. + But ever did I find such thought produced + No fruit of any value for real life. + 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 foe. + Release from this bewilderment of thought + Was brought me by a seeming accident. + It was my lot to make experiments + In matters from such questions far removed; + When suddenly there flashed across my mind + A thought which showed me where the right path lay. + Test followed close on test, until at last + Such powers were gathered there in front of me, + As in their full expression shall some day + Through pure technique that freedom bring to man, + In which his soul may find development. + No more shall men be forced to dream away + Their whole existence plant-like, fashioning + In narrow factory rooms unlovely things. + The powers of technique will be so unveiled + That every man shall have what he may need + To keep him in his work, in his own home + Arranged by him, as he may think it best. + I thought it well to speak first of this hope + So that it may not seem quite out of place + To say, what I must say, about this call + Which now the Rosicrucian Brotherhood + Issues to men who stand outside their league. + 'Tis only when a human soul unfolds + And finds its own true being in itself + That those fine instincts, which from endless time + Draw spirits each to each, can have full scope. + And therefore, only he will think aright + Who recognizes that this call conforms + To signs, which we have learned to know full well. + The brotherhood in future will bestow + Its highest treasures freely on mankind + Because all men must learn to long for them. + +FELIX BALDE: + + The words just spoken have been wrung from out + A soul, which hath been given to our times + To grace the realms of sense with life's true worth. + And in this field I doubt if any one + With doctor Strader could compete today. + But I myself trod very different paths + To find out what is needful for the soul. + So I, too, beg your leave to speak a word. + Fate hath made clear to me that I must search + Among those treasures, which disclose themselves + To every man within his inmost soul. + Therein I seemed to find true wisdom's light + Which can full well illuminate life's worth. + The mystic pupilship was given me + In solitude and contemplation deep. + And thus I learned that all that makes man lord + Of this strong realm of sense, doth only serve + To blind his being, and condemn mankind + To search in darkness for the way of life. + Aye, e'en those gems of knowledge which the use + Of reason and of sense hath found on earth, + Are but faint gropings in a darkened realm. + I know it is the mystic way alone + That can direct our steps to life's true light. + Myself I stood upon that path of truth + As one who strives without a helping hand; + But all men cannot struggle thus alone. + 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 mystery. + 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 death. + +LOUISA FEAR-GOD: + + A man who feels the worth of his own soul + Can but rely upon his own ideas, + If he desire to know the spirit-worlds + And find himself therein in very truth. + Whoe'er can give himself, with blindfold faith, + To outside guidance, first must lose himself. + Aye, e'en that light, which deep within himself + A man may feel as highest wisdom's power + Claims spirit-recognition only when + Its truth admits of proof within itself. + This light may be a danger to a man + If he draws near thereto without such proof. + For often on this path the soul appears + But as some picture, drawn from cosmic depths, + Springing from out its own unconscious wish. + +FREDERICK CLEAR-MIND: + + Fully to understand the mystic way + Each man must trace its impulse in himself. + Who, ere he enters on the search, doth form + In his own soul a picture of the goal, + Whereto that search must lead, is sure to find + Instead of truth, delusion's fantasy. + For, we may say, 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 view. + He waits till he has gained the utmost height + Before he tries to picture all the scene + Whereto his pilgrimage hath guided him. + +FOX: + + At such a time as this we should not ask + How men should hold themselves toward the truth. + The brethren of the league will not require + To hear about such things from men like us. + It hath indeed already reached mine ears + That an occurrence of a special sort + Hath forced the league to turn and think of us. + Thomasius, who came some years ago + Beneath the influence of a spirit-stream, + Which set itself to follow mystic aims, + Hath learned just how to use such forms of thought + As in our time compel men's confidence, + And hang them, as a mantle, round that lore + Which should be sacred to initiates. + In this way he was able to succeed, + And gain approval from both far and near + For writings which had borrowed logic's garb + But which, in fact, contained but mystic dreams. + Even inquirers of acknowledged worth + Are with the message of the man inspired + And so lend colour to his present fame, + Which grows, I fear, in dangerous degree. + Initiates did dread this line of thought + Since it must needs destroy their fixed idea + That wisdom is their sole prerogative. + And so they try to shelter 'neath their wing + That which Thomasius is giving forth. + Indeed, 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 work. + If they succeed now at this present time + In drawing us with craft into their net, + 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 combine. + +GASPER HOTSPUR: + + This Mystic League is bold to make the claim + That it alone must ever guide mankind: + It proves thereby what small account it takes + Of all that can be won for man's true weal + Just by sound commonsense, for we may say + That 'tis now proved that nature and the soul + Can be explained as things mechanical. + And 'tis indeed a check to all free thought + That doctor Strader with so clear a brain, + Should countenance this mystic fallacy. + Who thus doth master powers mechanical + Should not indeed lack insight, and we know + That ere we gain true knowledge of the soul + All mystic leanings needs must be destroyed. + Yet this false science, which Thomasius + Is giving forth today to all the world, + Enables e'en extreme sagacity + To reconcile itself with wildest dreams, + When once it falls a victim to that snare. + If through strict training in the way of thought, + Most natural to man, Thomasius + Had for this work of his prepared himself, + Instead of studying the mystic art, + He might have plucked full many a noble fruit + From wisdom's tree through his own inborn gifts. + Instead of which upon the way he chose + Naught but disastrous error could occur. + No doubt the brotherhood may like to think + Such error can be turned to their account. + It finds acceptance, since it seeks to show + That science now hath giv'n souls strong proof + Of knowledge only found in dreams before. + +GEORGE CANDID: + + That it is possible to speak such words + As we have just been forced with pain to hear, + Shows clearly how that insight which flows forth + From spirit-life hath scarce indeed begun + To grow at all 'midst all our modern thoughts. + 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 seed. + Then you will find that this same Mystic League + Doth but today fulfil a work which then + Was traced beforehand in the cosmic scheme. + We had to wait until Thomasius + Had finished this great work he had in hand. + The way is new by which the spirit-light + Illuminates through him the souls of men. + And yet this light did ever work in all + That men have dared to make upon the Earth. + But where, then, was the source of all this light + Which, tho' souls knew it not, could shine so clear? + We find all signs point to the mystic art, + Which dwelt in secret consecrated shrines, + Before mankind let reason be its guide. + The Spirit League which now hath called us here + Will gladly let the mystic light stream forth + On that bold work, which out of human thought + Strives to perfection in the spirit-world. + And we, who, in this hour so big with fate, + May stay awhile on consecrated ground, + Shall be the first who, uninitiate, + Shall see the torch of God from spirit-heights + Leap down into the depths of human souls. + +MARY DAUNTLESS: + + Thomasius, indeed, needs not the shield, + The Rose-Cross Brothers have in mind for him, + If in an earnest scientific way + He can portray the pathway of the soul + Through many earthly lives and spirit-realms. + This work hath now revealed the light on high, + To which they say the mystic temples lead, + E'en unto men who erstwhile had to shun + The very threshold of such sacred shrines. + Such recognition doth he well deserve + As he already hath so richly found + Because he gave that freedom unto thought, + Which was denied it by the mystic schools. + +ERMINIA STAY-AT-HOME: + + The Rose-Cross Brothers can in future live + But in the recollection of mankind. + That which they call for, at this very time + Will soon gain consciousness of its own power + And undermine the Temple's fundaments. + They boldly wish to join in future days + Reason and science to their sacred shrine. + Thomasius, therefore, whom so willingly + They now admit into their Temple's midst + Will count hereafter as their conqueror. + +STRADER: + + I have been sorely blamed because I think + That he acts well, who holds himself prepared + To further, in close union with the league, + The work which through Thomasius is fulfilled. + One speaker took objection to my views + And held I ought to know how dangerous + The mystic's true soul-searching may become. + 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 myself. + The way in which I stood toward my works + Hath shown the meaning of the sacred shrine. + And while I was at work, I often thought: + 'How do I seem to one who only tries + To understand the working of those powers + Which I put into things mechanical? + And yet what might I be unto a soul + To whom I might reveal myself in love?' + I have to thank such thoughts as these that now + The learning which from mystic circles springs + Reveals itself to me in its true light. + And so, though not initiate, I know + That souls of gods can in the sacred shrine + Reveal themselves in love to human souls. + +KATHARINE COUNSEL: + + 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 pass, + But yet are counted worthy to receive + The lore initiates do strive to teach: + It is not difficult to understand + Why our forefathers held to the belief + That mystics were the enemies of light. + It even was denied their souls to guess + What hidden secrets lay within the shrine. + All this is changed today. The Mystic Light + Is not entirely hid, but tells the world + As much as uninitiate folk may know. + And many souls, who have received this light + And been revived thereby, have felt forthwith + A rousing up of soul-powers, which before + Worked in them, as in sleep, unconsciously. + +(Three knocks are heard.) + +FELIX BALDE: + + The owners of this place will soon approach + And ye will hear what they desire to say. + But if ye wish to understand their words + And to receive through them the light yourselves + Ye must not by pre-judgment blind yourselves. + The power of the initiates will now + Prove itself mighty, wheresoe'er it finds + Good hearts and wills prepared to offer up + Erroneous fancies to the light of truth; + But where the will hath grown through error hard + And thus hath slain the sense of truth itself, + This power will there be proved of none effect. + +FOX: + + Such words as these might be of use to one + Who through self-contemplation did desire + To find himself within his inmost soul. + But at the first appearance of this league + 'Twere better to hold fast to those reports + About this kind of spirit-brotherhood, + Which may be credited historically. + From them we see that very many men + Have been enticed into the holy shrine + By secret words, which led them to believe + That in these temples, step by step, the soul + Could from the lowliest grades of wisdom rise + Up to the heights where spirit-sight is gained. + Who followed such inducement soon perceived + That in the lower grades he could see signs + Whose purport offered him much food for thought. + He dared to hope that in the higher grades + The meaning of these signs would be disclosed, + And wisdom be revealed: but when he reached + Those higher grades himself, 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 words. + If he was not deceived by these same words + Nor yet was tricked by their futility, + He turned himself away from such pursuits. + And so at this time 'tis perhaps of use + To listen to the judgment of the past + As well as unto edifying speech. + +(Again three knocks are heard.) + +(The curtain is drawn back, and there enter the Grand Master of the +Mystic League, Hilary True-to-God; after him, Magnus Bellicosus, +the Second Preceptor; Albertus Torquatus, the First Master of the +Ceremonies; and Frederick Trustworthy, the Second Master of the +Ceremonies. The persons who were before assembled group themselves +on each side of the hall.) + +FREDERICK TRUSTWORTHY: + + Dear friends, this moment, when we join us first + At this our temple's ancient holy gates + Is most significant for you and us. + 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 development. + 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 man, + Which seeks for truth far off from mystic paths. + Yet in the plan were also signs to show + That ere this consummation could be reached, + A man must first arise who understood + How to bring knowledge, built on commonsense + And reason only, into such a form + As truly to comprise the spirit-world; + This now hath happened. To Thomasius + The lot has fallen to produce a work + Based on that very science, which today + All men demand. This work in their own tongue + Doth bring full proof of spirit-worth, which men + Could only find in mystic paths before, + And in the temples of initiates. + This work will now become the fetter firm + That you with us unites in spirit-life; + Through it will ye be able to discern + How firm the base on which our teaching rests. + And through it, too, ye will receive the power + To take from us that knowledge with free will + Which is confined to mystic paths alone + And so, in living fruitfulness, that Life + Can now unfold itself, which doth unite + The universal commonsense of man + With all the customs of the sacred shrine. + +MAGNUS BELLICOSUS: + + Our brother's words have made it clear to you, + That we have been induced by solemn signs + To call you to the Threshold of our Shrine. + The Master soon will speak to you and show + The deeper reasons for thus calling you. + But first I must, so far as may be meet, + Tell you of this great man, whose work hath made + Our present union possible today. + Thomasius gave himself to painting's art + Until he felt an inward spirit-call + To take up science as his work in life. + His gifts which were so great and so unique + Within the region of the painter's art, + Were first developed when he passed within + The spheres devoted to true mystic lore, + These led him to the Master, and, through him, + He learnt the first steps in that world of truth + Where wisdom teaches spiritual sight. + Upborne to spirit-heights and thus infilled + With great creative power, he painted then + Pictures, which seem indeed like living men. + 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 mankind. + He saw full well that spirit-science must + First find a firm foundation, and for this + The sense for science and strict reasoning + Must be released from mania for set form + Through contact with an artist mind, and gain + The inward strength to realize the truth + Of world-relationship in life and deed. + And so Thomasius hath offered up, + A willing off'ring to humanity, + The artist-power, he might have used himself. + O friends, read ye aright this man's true soul + And understand the call which now we give + And hesitate no more to follow it. + +HILARY TRUE-TO-GOD: + + In that same Spirit's Name, which is revealed + To souls within our sacred shrine, we come + To men who until now might never hear + The word which here doth secretly sound forth. + Those Powers which guide the purpose of our Earth + Could not in its beginning be revealed + To all humanity in their full light. + As in the body of a child, the powers + Through which it learns to act and use its mind, + Must gradually ripen, and grow strong; + So must humanity unfold itself + As one great whole throughout its earthly course. + The impulse in the soul which later on + Might worthy prove to gaze on spirit-light + In higher worlds, first lived in atrophy. + Yet in the Earth's beginning there were sent + From out the higher kingdoms of real life + Exalted spirit-beings, who might act + As wise instructors of humanity. + In mystic holy shrines did they employ + Those mighty spirit powers, which were poured forth + In secret into souls which could know nought + Of their exalted leaders or their work. + 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 lore. + And when the pupils of those early seers + Could guard in worthy way the good and true, + Then those sublime instructors turned their steps + Back to their own especial realms of life. + These pupils of the gods then chose out men + Who might succeed them in the guardianship + Of spirit-treasures; and in such a way + The treasures were passed on from age to age. + Until the present time all mystic schools, + If they are such in truth, have really sprung + From that which first was founded from on high. + Humbly we cherish in this very place + That which our fathers handed down to us. + We do not ever speak about the dues, + Which through our office we inherited, + But only of the favour shown to us + By those great spirit-powers, who chose weak men + As mediators, and entrusted them + With treasures which bring forth the spirit-light + In souls of men: and 'tis our lot, dear friends, + To open to you now this treasured store. + For signs which in the plan of all the worlds + Can clearly be discerned by spirit-eyes + Show most propitious at this very time. + +FOX: + + From distant worlds, it seems, the reasons come + Which should convince us that 'twere meet that we + Should join ourselves to you, and in this way + Should be the first to give the impetus + To this great work Thomasius gives the world. + However grand what thou hast spoken sounds, + It cannot drown in hearts of homely men + The thought that such a work will take effect + Through its own power, if it should prove to hold + Within itself what souls of men require. + If this work prove important, it will be, + Not through the things the mystics offer us, + But since true science comes to the support + Of spirit-knowledge, and doth prove it true. + If this be really so, what use is there, + If mystic approbation paves the way, + And not th' intrinsic merit of the work? + +ALBERTUS TORQUATUS: + + 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 it. + And yet thereby a way can now be found + By which mankind may study mystic lore. + It would accomplish only half its work + If it should show the goal, but not the road. + And now it rests with you to understand + That now at last the moment hath arrived + For reason and the mystic path to join; + And to the spirit-life of this our world + To give thereby the power which can but work + When it reveals itself in season due. + +Curtain + + + + + + +SCENE 2 + + +The same. The persons who were at first assembled have left, +with the exception of Felix Balde and Dr. Strader, who remain with +Hilary True-to-God, the Grand Master; Magnus Bellicosus, the Second +Preceptor; Albertus Torquatus, the First Master of the Ceremonies; +Frederick Trustworthy, the Second Master of the Ceremonies; Maria; +and Johannes Thomasius. + +HILARY: + + My son, what thou hast perfected must now + Within this holy place receive the seal, + Which sacred and primeval knowledge gives, + Besides the blessing of the Rosy Cross. + What thou hast brought the world must be through us + Unto the Spirit offered, that it may + Bear fruit in all the worlds, where power of man + Can be made use of for world-fashioning. + +BELLICOSUS: + + 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 best. + There stood a spirit-teacher at thy side, + Who went from thee, so that thy human soul + Might perfectly unfold its powers in thee. + Thou wast in closest touch with one dear friend; + She also left thee, for thou had'st to learn + That which men only learn when they are set + To follow out their soul's powers in themselves. + With courage hast thou passed through this ordeal. + That which was taken from thee for thy good + Is, for thy good, restored to thee anew. + Thy friend stands here before thee: in the shrine + She waits for thee to follow out our wish. + Soon, thou wilt meet thy teacher once again. + These friends, who on our temple's threshold stand, + Desire to join with us in greeting thee, + As one who brings great knowledge here with him. + +FELIX BALDE (to Thomasius): + + The mystic art which heretofore aspired + Through inward contemplation toward the light, + Will through thine act be able now to work + Through knowledge gained within the world of sense. + +STRADER (to Thomasius): + + Those souls who after spirit-knowledge strive + While life still unto matter binds them fast, + Will now through thee find out a road by which + They can attain the light in their own way. + +THOMASIUS: + + Exalted Master, and ye, honoured sirs! + Ye think to see before you now a man + Who, through the Spirit's power and earnest strife, + Was able to produce the work you praise + And can acknowledge with your fostering care. + Ye think that he will certainly succeed + In reconciling science of today + With ever-ancient sacred mystic art. + And truly were there anything besides + The voice of mine own soul, which could instil + Belief about it into me, I think + It well might be your words.... + +TRUSTWORTHY: + + The Master's word + Doth but express that which without a doubt + Thou feelest in thy soul. There is no need + To strengthen what thine inner voice declares. + +THOMASIUS: + + Ah! were it so, most humbly would I stand + Before you and implore that I might gain + The temple's blessing on this work of mine. + I used to think it so, 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 me, which before + Only initiates could e'er approach. + But as I trod the path that led to you + There opened out upon my soul a world + To which, at such a time ye certainly + Would not have wished to lead me. Ahriman + In all his greatness stood before me there. + And then I saw that he it is in truth + Who is the expert in real cosmic laws. + What human beings think they know of him + Is of no value. Only he can know + Who once hath seen him in the spirit-world. + It was from him alone that I could learn + The truth about this work of mine in full. + He showed how in the progress of the world + One could not judge effects of such a work; + Since its true progress cannot be appraised + By those impressions men may form of it + Who judge by science and strict logic's law. + The final verdict cannot be pronounced + Till creature from creator is set free, + And, freed from him, can follow its own path + Throughout the courses of the spirit-life. + 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 evil, even though it were + Good in itself and in its working power. + 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 mind. + And if I should let evil issue forth + From out the spirit-world, through these results, + Then would the truth do damage greater far + Than error, for men follow after truth + According to their insight, error not. + 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 him. + While I was at my work, and filled with joy + That it should lead me with such certain tread + Step after step, up truth's great pyramid, + I only noticed in my soul that part + Which lent itself to help me in my search; + And all the rest I left without a guard. + All those wild impulses, which formerly + Were but in bud, could now in quietude + Bloom forth and ripen into full grown fruits. + I thought I dwelt in highest spirit-realms, + But was in truth in deepest night of soul. + It was the strength of these same impulses + Which showed me clearly Ahriman's own realm. + And so I know the effect that I shall have, + For in the future all these impulses + Will go to form my personality. + Before I took this work in hand, I gave + Myself to Lucifer, because I wished + To learn to know and understand his realm. + Now know I, what I could not see before + When I was lost entirely in my work, + That he it was who wove around my thought + Those beauteous pictures, which within my soul + Brought forth wild impulses, which silent now + Will surely one day gain control of me. + +TRUSTWORTHY: + + How can one who hath reached such spirit-heights + And knows all this for certain, yet believe + That he hath no escape from evil left? + Why, thou canst see where danger for thee lies; + And so canst crush it, and with courage save + Thyself, and the results of thy great work: + A spirit-pupil is in duty bound + To kill what hinders progress in himself. + +THOMASIUS: + + I see, thou judgest not by cosmic laws, + 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 me. + But that which Karma now doth let me do + Will not in future be permissible. + For things must come which will o'ershadow me + And darken all my spirit, till I turn + To that which I described to thee just now. + Then as the world progresses I will seize + With greed on anything that's in my work + Which can be used for harm, and all of this + I will embody in my spirit-life. + Then I shall have to love great Ahriman + And joyfully to his possession give + All that I have derived from earthly life. + +(Pause, during which Thomasius meditates deeply.) + + If all alone I could encounter this, + And bear it also in my soul alone, + I could await with fullest peace of mind + All that was destined for me on my way. + But it will harm your league as much as me. + Whatever bad shall follow from my work + Both for myself and other souls of men, + Will find its balance through just Karma's law. + The fact that ye fell victims to this fault + Makes it far harder for the life of earth, + Since ye are leaders in this self-same life + And ought to read the spirit-worlds aright. + Ye ought not to have failed to notice then + That it was someone else, and not myself + Who should have had the doing of this work. + Ye should have known it must be put aside + For now; and later would appear again + Through one who otherwise would guide its course. + So by your judgment, ye deprive the league + Of rights it ought to have, if it would still + Direct the service of the Sacred Place. + Because this fate for you was shown to me + I now appear upon your threshold here. + Knowledge would otherwise have kept me far, + For truly I can claim no blessing now + Upon this work, which does both good and harm. + +HILARY: + + Dear brethren, that which we have just begun, + Cannot be carried any further now. + We must betake ourselves unto the Place + From whence the Spirit can make known His will. + +(Hilary leaves the hall with Bellicosus, Torquatus, and +Trustworthy. Doctor Strader and Felix Balde also leave. Only Maria +and Thomasius are left.) + +(The hall grows dark. After a short pause the three Spirit-forms +Philia, Astrid, and Luna appear in a cloud of light, and group +themselves so that they completely hide Maria. The following is a +spirit-experience of Thomasius.) + +PHILIA: + + The soul is athirst + To drink of the light + Which flows from the worlds, + An all-caring will + Hides close from mankind. + But eagerly seeks + The spirit to hear + The language divine + Which wisdom in love + Doth hide from the heart. + For danger surrounds + The thoughts that would search + In realms of the soul, + Where secret things rule + The senses from far. + +ASTRID: + + Yet souls are enlarged, + Which follow the light + And work through the worlds + Which bold spirit-sight + Reveals to mankind. + The spirit doth strive + Enraptured to live + In realms of the gods + Which wisdom benign + Makes known to the seer. + There mysteries beckon + The bold keen desire + To win those new worlds + Which far from man's thought + Deep secrets conceal. + +LUNA: + + It ripens the soul + To picture the sight + Whence powers will spring forth + Which will, reft of fear, + Doth kindle in man. + The ransoming powers + From primeval depths + Bring magical might + That sense cannot know, + Close barriered in earth. + And traces are there + That each searching soul + May find out the gate + Fast closed by the gods + 'Gainst erring desire. + +THE VOICE OF CONSCIENCE (invisible): + + Now totter thy thoughts + In Being's abyss; + And what was lent as help to them, + Thou now hast lost. + And what shone as the sun for them + For thee is quenched. + Alone in cosmic depths thou wanderest, + Which men intoxicated with desire + Would seek to win. + Thou tremblest in the fundaments of growth + Where men must learn to be bereft of all + Comfort of soul.... + +(The last words run straight on into the following ones spoken by +Maria, who is still hidden by the Spirit-forms and cannot be seen. She +speaks at first in a ghostly inward voice.) + +MARIA: + + So blend thy soul + To powers of love + Which once could penetrate her with the hope + Of living warmth, + Which once could all her will illuminate + With spirit-light. + Rescue from loneliness + The powers of heart that seek + And feel the nearness of thy friend + In the darkness of thy strife. + +(The Spirit-forms vanish with the cloud of light. Maria becomes visible +in her old place. Maria and Thomasius are alone, standing opposite each +other. From now onwards the experiences are on the physical plane.) + +THOMASIUS (rousing himself from deep meditation): + + Where was I even now? My powers of soul + Unveiled the conflict of my inner-self; + The conscience of the world revealed to me + What I had lost; and then as blessing came + The voice of Love within the darksome realm. + +MARIA: + + Johannes, the companion of thy soul + May once again be present at thy side, + And follow thee to earth's primeval depths, + Where souls can win perception e'en as gods, + By conquest that destroyeth, yet acquires + By bold persistence life from seeming death. + E'en in the ever empty fields of ice + She may go with her friend, where he will be + Encircled with the light which spirits form + When darkness wounds and maims the powers of life. + My friend, thou standest at that threshold now, + Where man must lose what once he hath attained. + Full many a glance thou hast toward spirit-realms + Directed, and from them hast gained the power + That made thee capable of thy great work. + It seems to thee, that now that work is lost; + Desire not then that it were otherwise, + For such desire must rob thee of all power + Of further progress into spirit-realms. + Whether thou walk'st in error or in truth, + Thou canst keep ever clear the view ahead, + Which lets thy soul press further on its path + If thou dost bravely bear necessities + Imposed upon thee by the spirit-realm. + This is the law of spirit-pupilship. + So long as thou still harbourest the wish + That what hath happened might be otherwise + Thou wilt forego the power which must be thine, + If thou dost wish to stay in spirit-land. + 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-path. + Henceforward thou must not rely upon, + If thou in truth regardest it as lost, + That understanding which thou hast till now + Well-used as the criterion of thy work. + Therefore thy being must become quite still + And wait in silence for the spirit's gifts; + Then only wilt thou commune with thyself + When thou once more hast won thyself anew. + Oft hast thou met the solemn Guardian + Who on the Threshold keeps so strict a watch + When spirit-life must part from world of sense; + But past that presence hast thou never been. + At sight of him aye didst thou turn away + And all thy view was pictured from without.... + Ne'er in that inner world which widens out + Beyond thee as the spirit-verity, + Have thy steps trod: so must thou now await + That which shall be revealed, when at my side + Thou shalt not only to such world draw nigh, + But shalt pass o'er the Threshold's boundary. + +Curtain + + + + + + +SCENE 3 + + +In Lucifer's kingdom. A space which is not enclosed by artificial +walls, but by fantastic forms which resemble plants, animals, +etc. All in various brilliant shades of red. In the background are +arranged three transparencies showing the top of Raphael's 'Disputa,' +Leonardo's 'Last Supper,' and Raphael's 'School of Athens.' These are +illuminated from the back of the stage whenever Maria or Benedictus +challenges Lucifer. At other times they are invisible. On the right, +Lucifer's throne. At first only the souls of Capesius and Maria are +present. After a time Lucifer appears, and later on Benedictus and +Thomasius, with his etheric counterpart or 'double,' and lastly, +Theodora. + +MARIA: + + Thou, who within the realm of sense art named + Capesius, I wonder why it is + Thou art the being whom I meet the first + In Lucifer's domain: 'tis dangerous + When spirits of this place blow round one's head. + +CAPESIUS (in astral garb): + + 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 dream. Whilst there be bent his mind + Upon such things as ever come to pass + As time streams on. And he had set himself + In that way to discover all the powers + Through which mankind fulfils its spirit-life. + What thus he came to know about those powers + He tried to keep deep fastened in his soul. + Now only in this realm one understands + To judge aright the knowledge he pursued. + He thought the pictures he possessed were true + And could reveal to him reality; + But, viewed from here, they clearly show themselves + As naught but empty dreams, which Spirit-hands + Have woven round about weak men of Earth. + They cannot bear the cold clear light of truth. + They would be utterly afraid and stunned + If they should learn how all the course of life + Is turned by spirits after their ideas. + +MARIA: + + Thou speakest as I've only heard those speak + Who ne'er have been incarnate on the Earth. + They tell you Earth hath no significance, + That in the universe its work is small. + But he who hath belonged to realms of Earth + And owes to it the best powers that he hath, + Will have a different tale to tell thereof. + He finds important many threads of fate + Which bind Earth's life to that of all the worlds. + E'en Lucifer who works here with such power + Must keep his gaze fixed fast upon the Earth, + And seek to turn men's deeds in such a way + That their results may ripen his own soul. + He knows he'd fall a victim to the dark + If he could find no booty on the Earth, + And so his fate is bound up with that sphere. + So too, with those who dwell in other worlds. + And when the human soul can clearly see + The cosmic goal, which Lucifer desires, + And can compare with it what those powers wish + Who have him as opponent to their aims, + Then will she know that he can be destroyed + Through conquests which she gains o'er her own self. + +CAPESIUS: + + The human being who here talks with thee + Thinks that fate dreadful, which compels him now + To wear a body round him; which hath yet + The breath of life and keeps its earthly form, + Although the spirit hath no more control. + At such a time this spirit feels indeed + That worlds, he values, fall at one fierce blow. + He feels himself within a prison-house + Narrow and horrible with naught all round. + Remembrance of the life that he passed through + Seems, as it were, extinguished from his soul. + At times he feels aware of human souls, + But what they say he cannot understand; + He only catches some especial words + Which lift themselves from out the general talk, + And bring remembrance of the loveliness + Which he can gaze on in the Spirit-realms. + He's in his body then, and yet is not; + And lives within himself a life he fears + When he beholds it from this region here: + And he is longing for the time to come + When from this body he will be set free. + +MARIA: + + The body which is proper to Earth-souls + Bears in itself the means to recreate + In lofty pictures loveliness sublime: + Which pictures, even if their substance now + Seems but a shadow in the human soul, + Are yet the buds which in the future worlds + Will open out to blossom and to fruit. + So through his body man may serve the gods. + 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" reality. + +CAPESIUS: + + Ah, utter not that word in front of him + Who stands before thee now in Spirit-realms + And on the Earth is called Capesius. + He fain would flee away when that word sounds, + So fierce it burns him here. + +MARIA: + + So thou dost hate + That which first gives true being unto men? + How canst thou come to live within this realm + If so appalling seems that word to thee? + For no one can arrive as far as this + Who hath not faced the nature of that word. + +CAPESIUS: + + He who appears to thee hath often stood + Before great Lucifer who rules this realm. + And Lucifer hath made it clear to him + That only souls, who consciously make use + Of powers that from their earthly bodies come, + Can harm the realm which doth obey his will. + Those souls however who go through their life + Within the body, as it were in swoon, + And yet already have clairvoyant power, + These only learn in Lucifer's domain, + And cannot cause it harm in any way. + +MARIA: + + I know that in these realms of Spirit-life + 'Tis not by words, but sight, that one doth learn. + What in this moment I have come to see + Because of thine appearance to me here, + Will later show itself within my soul + As progress in my spirit-pupilship. + +CAPESIUS: + + Here 'tis not only teaching that one gains; + Duties are also shown one in this place. + Thou hast here spoken with the soul of him + Who calls himself Capesius on earth. + The spirit-glances into former lives + That are accorded thee, will show to thee + Thou owest much through Karma unto him. + Therefore thou shouldst petition Lucifer + That he, the great Light-Bearer, should allow + Capesius to guard thee on the Earth. + Thou knowest through thy wisdom well enough + What thou canst do for him, so that he may + Be led again to thee in later lives + So that through thee the debt may be wiped out. + +MARIA: + + And so this duty which I hold so dear + Must be fulfilled through power from Lucifer? + +CAPESIUS: + + Thou dost desire this duty to fulfil, + And that can only be through Lucifer. + Look! Here he comes, the Spirit of the Light. + +(Lucifer appears and, in the course of his speech, Benedictus.) + +LUCIFER: + + Maria, thou art asking at my throne + Self-knowledge for that very human soul + Who standeth near thee in the life on Earth. + It cannot learn to know itself aright + Except by gazing deep into myself; + And that it will achieve without thine aid. + How canst thou think that I would grant to thee + All that thou mayst desire for this thy friend? + Thou namest Benedictus as thy guide, + Who is my strong opponent on the Earth, + Lending unto mine enemies his strength. + Already hath he stolen much from me. + Johannes cut himself adrift from him + And placed himself beneath my guiding hand. + He cannot yet indeed see my true self + Because he hath not yet the seer's full power. + He will attain it later through myself, + And then he will entirely be mine own. + 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 throne. + Any such word would burn me in this place. + Here words are deeds, and deeds must follow them; + But what might follow--from such words of thine-- + It must not be---- + +BENEDICTUS: + + Thou must give ear to her. + For where words have an equal power with deeds + They come in consequence of former deeds. + The deed is done that conquers Lucifer. + Maria is my spirit-pupil true. + I could direct her to that point, whence she + Could recognize the highest spirit-task, + Which same she will most certainly fulfil. + And in fulfilling it she will for sure + Build in Johannes power and balm to heal, + Which will release him from thy kingdom's grip. + Maria carries deep within her soul + A solemn holy vow which doth awake + Such healing powers in progress of the worlds. + Soon wilt thou hear all this put into words, + But if with powerful thought thou wouldst suppress + And veil the rays of light through which thou gainst + The magic power to strive against, and win + The victory o'er all that selfhood means, + I think that then thou'lt glimpse the healing rays, + Which will in future shine with such a strength + That they will draw Johannes to their realm, + By their all-powerful love. + +MARIA: + + Johannes soon + Will here appear; and yet in such a form + As earthly souls would recognize as theirs, + Will come that being, who within the man + Lies hid as dual personality. + 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 soul. + 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 steps. + +LUCIFER: + + Johannes then must stand before me now. + I feel full well the power which comes from thee; + It hath opposed me since the Earth began. + +(Enter Johannes Thomasius and his Etheric Counterpart from different +sides of the stage at the same moment, and meet face to face.) + +THOMASIUS: + + O mine own Likeness, up till now thou hast + Shown thyself to me only that I might + Be frightened at the sight of mine own self. + I cannot understand thee much as yet; + I only know that thou dost guide my soul. + 'Tis thou then who dost baulk me of free life + And dost prevent me from due cognizance + Of what I really am. Now must I hear + Thee speak in front of Lucifer, to see + What I in future years shall yet achieve. + +THOMASIUS' DOUBLE: + + 'Tis true I often was allowed to come + And bring Johannes knowledge of himself. + But I could only work in those soul depths, + Which still are hidden from his consciousness. + My life within him hath for some long time + Been subject to considerable change. + Maria used to stand close to his side. + He thought her bound in spirit to himself; + I showed him that the true guides of his soul + Were only passion and impulsiveness. + He could but think of this as some reproach, + But thou couldst show, O Light-Bearer sublime, + To sensual tendencies the way by which + They best might serve the spirit-purposes. + Johannes from Maria had to part, + And give himself forthwith to earnest thought + Which hath the power to purify men's souls. + What from his purity of thought streamed forth + Flowed also into me, and I was changed. + I felt his purity within myself. + Nought need he fear from me, if he should now + Feel once more drawn toward Maria's soul. + But he belongs, as yet, to thy domain, + And at this moment I demand him back. + For he could now experience myself, + Unless thou will'st to misdirect his sense. + He needs me now, that from me there may flow + Into his thought with mighty conscious strength + Both warmth of soul and also power of heart. + Then once more shall he find himself as man. + +LUCIFER: + + I count thy striving good. Yet can I not + Grant to thee all that thou dost ask of me. + For should I give thee to Johannes now + In that same form wherein in former years + Thou didst appear before his mind and soul, + He would at present only give his love + To thinking and to knowledge cold and bare; + And all warm individuality + Would seem unfeeling, meaningless and dead. + It is not thus my power must fashion him. + Through me he must discover in himself + His living personality and self. + I must transform thee, if the thing that's right + Shall come forth for his health and progress now. + I have a long time since prepared for all + That now shall clearly show itself in thee. + In future thou wilt seem another man. + Johannes will no more Maria love, + As he hath loved her in the days gone by. + Yet none the less he'll love, with all the strength + And all the passion he once gave to her. + +BENEDICTUS: + + The glorious work in which we've gained success + Thou wouldst now turn unto thine own account. + Thou hast Johannes through his power of heart + Marked for thine own one day; and yet thou seest + That thou must make the fetters stronger still + If thou wouldst keep his being for thyself. + His heart will be beneath his spirit's rule-- + If that is so then all the knowledge-work + Which he on Earth accomplished, must be giv'n + In future, for their own, to those great Powers + Which thou hast fought against since Time began. + 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 ends, + Then will he turn the good he did on Earth, + To evil ends from out the Spirit-worlds. + +MARIA: + + Then he may yet be saved? 'Tis not decreed + That he must fall a victim to the powers + That want to gain his work now for themselves? + +BENEDICTUS: + + It would be so if all the Powers remained + Just as at present they have formed themselves; + 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 times. + +LUCIFER: + + So work, compelling powers, + Ye elemental sprites, + Feel now your Master's power; + 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 desires + Whate'er obeys my will. + +(Theodora appears.) + +THEODORA: + + Who calleth me to realms so strange to me? + I like it not, unless the world of gods + Reveals itself in love unto my soul, + And glowing warmth entwining round my heart + Draws spirit-speech from out mine inmost soul. + +THOMASIUS' DOUBLE: + + Ah, how thou dost transform my very life! + Thou hast appeared, and here am I, a man + Who now can only work when filled by thee. + Johannes shall, through me, be now thine own, + And from henceforward thou shalt have the love + Which once so fearful and so radiant + Was wrested for Maria from his heart. + He saw thee years ago, but did not then + Feel all the warmth of love which was to grow + In secret in the depths of his own soul. + Now it will rise, and fill him full of power, + And turn his thoughts entirely to thyself. + +BENEDICTUS: + + The crucial moment is arriving now, + His strongest power hath Lucifer let loose: + Maria, all the training of thy soul + Thou must put forth in strength to vanquish him. + +MARIA: + + O Bearer of that Light, which would confine + Love only to the service of the self; + Thou hast from Earth's beginning granted men + Knowledge, when they, still guided by the gods, + Obeyed the spirit, knowing nought of self. + But since that time each soul of man hath been + The place in which thou fightest 'gainst the gods. + Yet now the times are coming, which must bring + Destruction on thyself and on thy realms. + A thinker bold was able to release + Science from all thy gifts in such a way + That unto mankind's gods it gave itself. + But thou dost try once more to get the powers, + Which for the gods are destined, for thyself. + Because Johannes through his work hath now + Deprived thee of that knowledge, with whose fruit + Thou from the first deceived'st all mankind, + So now thou would'st deceive him, through that love + Which, should he follow out his destined path + For Theodora he should never feel. + Thou fain wouldst conquer Wisdom now by Love, + As once 'gainst Love thou didst by Wisdom fight. + But know full well that in Maria's heart, + With which she now opposeth thy designs, + The spirit-pupilship hath planted powers + To keep far off, for ever, all self-love + From Knowledge. Never from this hour will I + Allow myself to be possessed by joy + Such as men feel when thoughts grow ripe within. + 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 gods. + My sacred service shall such Knowledge be, + And what I thus effect within myself + Shall o'er Johannes powerfully outstream, + And oft, in future, when within his heart + These words are whispered from thyself to him: + 'Man's human nature shall through love find out + What gives strength to his personality.' + Then shall my heart this powerful answer give: + 'Once didst thou hear these words, when Earth began, + And there didst show forth signs of Wisdom's fruit, + "The fruits of love can only come to man + When they are brought to him from realms divine."' + +LUCIFER: + + I mean to fight. + +BENEDICTUS: + + And fighting, serve the gods. + +Curtain + + + + + + +SCENE 4 + + +A cheerful pink room in the home of Strader and his wife Theodora. One +notices by the arrangement that they use it as a room in common, where +they carry on their various works. On his table there are mechanical +models; on hers things to do with mystic studies. The two are holding +a conversation which shows that they are absorbed in the fact that +it is the seventh anniversary of their wedding day. + +STRADER: + + 'Tis seven years today since thou becam'st + The loved and dear companion of my life + And also unto me a source of light, + Which shone upon a life which formerly + Was threatened only with approaching dark. + 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 me. + 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 man. + 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 thought. + I met thee then amongst that company + Where Benedictus was the guide of all, + And listened to thy revelations there. + Later I saw how in Thomasius + The spirit-pupilship could work with power + Within the human soul. What thus I saw + Robbed me of faith in science and good sense, + And yet it showed me nothing at that time + Which really seemed to me intelligent. + 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 me. + I gave myself to technique that it might + Bring me oblivion and forgetfulness, + And lived a life of torment, till once more + I met thee, for the second time; and then + Our friendship soon grew deep and ripe for love. + +THEODORA: + + It is but natural, that on this day + Remembrance of those old times should again + Stand out so vividly before thy soul. + 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 bond. + I felt the constant strengthening at that time + Within me of the power which made my soul + Able for knowledge from the spirit-worlds. + And under Felix Balde's noble lead + This power grew on thenceforward to that height + At which it stood just seven years ago. + About that time I met Capesius + One day in Felix' lovely woodland home. + A long life had he spent in deep research + And won his way to spirit-pupilship. + He greatly wished to be allowed to learn + My way of gazing on the spirit-world. + So after that I spent much time with him. + And in his house I chanced to meet with thee + And could bring healing to thy mental wounds. + +STRADER: + + And then the true light shone into my soul + Which long had only gazed upon the dark. + I saw at last what spirit is, in truth. + Thou ledd'st me on in such a way to see + What was disclosed to thee from higher worlds, + That every doubt might swiftly disappear. + 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 work. + It was a long while e'er I recognized + That not my mind alone hung on thy words, + Which did reveal to it its true abode; + But that my heart was taken captive too + And could no longer live without thee near. + +THEODORA: + + Then didst thou tell me that which thou didst feel + And all thy words were in so strange a form; + It seemed as if thou never hadst one thought + That all the longing dwelling in thy heart + Could even hope it might be satisfied. + Thy words showed clearly that it was advice + That thou wast seeking from thy sister-soul. + Thou spakst of help which thou didst then require + And of the strengthening of thy powers of soul + Which otherwise must keep thee prison-bound. + +STRADER: + + 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 + When, seeking help, I showed my heart to thee. + +THEODORA: + + And yet those very words which cut adrift + Thy heart from mine at first, soon went to prove + That all of this could not be otherwise-- + Hearts often have to point the way to fate. + +STRADER: + + And when thy heart pronounced the fateful word + My soul was flooded o'er with waves of life + Which, though I could not feel, I knew were there; + 'Twas not till late, when my memory + Rose from the depths of my subconscious soul, + That they fulfilled themselves in rays of light. + I could know all, from what my mem'ry taught, + But could not live it then, because so much + Still held me far apart from spirit-life. + 'Twas then indeed I first became aware + Of spirit in close contact with my soul. + Ne'er have I felt like that again; and yet + That knowledge gave to me a certainty + That hath illuminated all my life. + And then flowed on these seven wondrous years. + I learned to feel how e'en mechanic skill + Which now I study, is enriched by souls + Whose attitude t'ward spirit-life is right. + '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 power, and thence quite suddenly + As if it had been prompted, 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 perished, had I lived alone. + This certainty of life which I had won + Let me stand upright then, just at that time + When, in such startling wise, Thomasius + Condemned before the Rose Cross brotherhood + The work of his own brain, and cast himself + Adrift, with judgment hard, just at that hour + Which could have brought him to his life's full height. + This inner certainty could hold me fast + When all the outer world seemed to reveal + Naught but a mass of contradicting facts. + Through thee alone have I gained all this power. + The spirit-revelation which thou gav'st + Brought me the sense of knowledge I had won; + And when the revelation came no more + Thou still didst stay my strength and light of soul. + +THEODORA (in a broken sentence, as if meditating deeply): + + Then when the revelation came no more ... + +STRADER: + + 'Tis that which often made me sorrowful. + I wondered if 'twere not deep pain to thee + To lose thy seeress' power of second-sight, + And whether thou didst suffer silently, + Lest I should grieve: and yet thy temperament + Showed thou couldst bear with calmness fate's decree. + But lately thou hast seemed to me to change, + Joy no more streams from thee as heretofore + And thine eye's glowing light begins to fade. + +THEODORA: + + Indeed it could not be deep pain to me + When spirit-revelation disappeared. + My fate had only changed my way of life; + Which I must needs accept with patience calm. + But now 'tis born once more, and brings great grief. + +STRADER: + + This is the first time in these seven years + I cannot fathom Theodora's mind; + For each experience of spirit-life + Was such a source of inward joy to thee. + +THEODORA: + + Quite different is the revelation now. + At first, as then, I feel myself constrained + To drive away all thought that is mine own; + But where, before, after some little time + When I achieved this inward emptiness + A gentle light did hover round my soul + And spirit-pictures wished to form themselves; + There come now unseen feelings of disgust; + 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 invisible, and yet abhorred. + It tries to reach me with its evil will + And I can only hate what is revealed. + +STRADER: + + With Theodora 'tis not possible. + They say that what one thus lives through, is but + The mirrored working of one's own soul-powers. + Yet thy soul could not show such things as these. + +THEODORA (painfully, slowly, as if reflecting): + + 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 me, would graciously reveal + How I could learn the cause of all my pain. + +(Now follow in broken words): + + And then ... the shining Light ... came ... as before + And formed ... the image ... of an earthly man.... + It was ... Thomasius ... + +STRADER (painfully, overcome by the quick inrush of feelings): + + ... Thomasius ... + The man in whom I always have believed ... + +(Pause, then meditating painfully.) + + When I again recall before my soul + How he behaved towards the Mystic League ... + How of himself and Ahriman he spake---- + +(Theodora is lost in contemplation, and stares blankly into space, +as if her spirit were absent.) + +STRADER: + + O Theodora ... what dost thou ... see now.... + +Curtain + + + + + + +SCENE 5 + + +A round room in the little house in the wood, described in the "Soul's +Probation," as Felix Balde's home. Dame Balde, Felix Balde, Capesius, +Strader, are seen seated at a table on the left of the stage. Later +appears the Soul of Theodora. The room is the natural colour of the +wood and has two pretty arched windows. + +DAME BALDE: + + 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 away. + A few short weeks ago we still could hear + With joy in this our house the graciousness + That streamed so warmly through her every word. + +FELIX BALDE: + + We both, my wife Felicia, and myself, + Loved her indeed from out our inmost soul, + So can we share and understand thy grief. + +STRADER: + + Dear Theodora, she so often spoke + Throughout the last hours of her life on earth + Of Dame Felicia and of Felix too; + She was so closely intimate with all + That life brought to you here from day to day. + + Now must I grope my further path alone. + She was the sum and meaning of my life. + And what she gave, can never die for me. + And yet--she is not here---- + +FELIX BALDE: + + Yet can we still + With thee send out our loving thoughts to her + Into the spirit-worlds, and thus unite + Her soul with ours through all the days to come. + But, I must own, it was a shock to us + When we were told her life on Earth was o'er. + 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 lives; + In her case hath this gift deceived me sore. + For ne'er indeed could I think otherwise, + 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 men. + +STRADER: + + 'Tis very strange how all hath come to pass; + As long as I have known her, had she lived + Ever the same sound healthy mode of life. + But since the time she first became aware + Of Something strange, unknown, that threatened her + And tried to enter and oppress her mind; + Her senses clouded over more and more + And suffering poured itself through all her life. + Her body's powers were sapped, as one could see + By some great struggle in her inmost soul. + She told me, when in my anxiety,-- + I plied her oft with many questionings-- + She felt herself exposed to fearful thoughts + Which frightened her and worked like fire within. + And what she said besides--'tis terrible, + 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 ... whom we both honoured so, + And yet from this impression aye remained + The strongest feelings which spake clear to her + That she had cause to fear Thomasius. + +CAPESIUS (spoken as in a trance): + + According to the strict decree of Fate + Thomasius and Theodora ne'er + Could meet in earthly passion in this life. + 'Twould be indeed opposed to cosmic laws + If one desired to make the other feel + Aught that was not on spirit only based. + Within his heart Thomasius doth break + The stern decree of mighty powers of Fate: + That he should never harbour in his soul + Thoughts that might bring to Theodora harm. + For he doth feel what he ought not to feel + And, through his disobedience he doth form + E'en now the powers which can deliver o'er + His future life unto the realms of dark. + When Theodora had been forced to come + To Lucifer, she learnt unconsciously + That through the Light-bearer, Thomasius + Was filled with sensual passion for herself. + Maria, who had been by Fate's decree + Entrusted with Thomasius' spirit-life, + And Theodora, at the same time met + Within that realm which fights against the gods-- + Maria from Thomasius had to part, + And he through strength of this false love was forced + To be in bondage unto Lucifer. + What Theodora thus experienced + Became consuming fire within her soul + And working further caused her all this pain. + +STRADER: + + Oh tell us, Father Felix, what this means. + Capesius speaks in such a manner strange + Of things which are incomprehensible; + And yet they fill my soul with dread and fear. + +FELIX BALDE: + + Capesius, when treading o'er the path, + Which he hath found most needful for his soul + Learns ever more and more to exercise + Those special gifts of spirit which are his; + His spirit lives in touch with higher worlds + And passeth by unnoticed all those things + Through which the senses speak unto the soul. + 'Tis but by habit that he doth perform + All that hath been his custom in this life. + He ever tried to visit his old friends + And likes to while away long hours with them, + And yet whenever he is at their side + His being seems in meditation lost. + But what he sees in spirit aye is true + So far as mine own searching of the soul + Can testify to proving of the truth. + And therefore in this case I do believe + That owing to these spirit-gifts, he could + Perceive within the depths of his own soul + The truth of Theodora's destiny. + +DAME BALDE: + + It is so strange, he never notices + What those around him may be speaking of; + It seems his soul is from his body loosed + And gazeth only on the spirit-world; + And yet some word will often bring him back + Out of this strange abstraction, and he'll tell + Of things that seem to come from spirit-realms + And somehow be connected with that word. + Apart from that whatever one may say + Makes no impression on his mind at all. + +STRADER: + + Ah! if he speaks the truth--how horrible-- + +(Theodora's Soul appears.) + +THEODORA'S SOUL: + + Capesius hath been allowed to know + Of my existence in the spirit-world: + It is the truth which he makes known to you. + We must not let Thomasius transgress: + Maria hath already set alight + The sacrifice of love in her strong heart; + And Theodora from the spirit-heights + Will send out rays of blessing from Love's power. + +FELIX BALDE: + + Dear Strader, thou must now be calm and still; + She wants to speak to thee; I understand + The signs she gives to us: so now attend. + +THEODORA (after making a movement with her hand towards Strader): + + Thomasius possesseth second sight; + And he will find me in the spirit-realms. + This must not be until he is set free + From earthly passion in his search for me. + In future he will also need thy help, + And that is what I now request of thee. + +STRADER: + + My Theodora, who dost even now + Turn to me as of old in love, say on + What thou desirest, and it shall be done. + +(Theodora makes a sign towards Capesius.) + +FELIX BALDE: + + That shows she cannot now say any more, + But wisheth us to hear Capesius speak. + +(Theodora vanishes.) + +CAPESIUS (as in a trance): + + Thomasius can Theodora see, + If he doth choose to use his spirit-eyes. + Therefore her death will not destroy in him + This passion which is harmful to himself. + Yet will he have to act quite otherwise + Than he would act if Theodora still + Lived in the body on this earth of ours. + He will with passion strive toward the light + Which is revealed to her from spirit-heights + Although she hath no consciousness of earth. + Thomasius is set to win that light + That through him Lucifer may gain it too. + 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 power. + For Lucifer, since first the Earth began + Hath ever sought for men who have acquired + Wisdom divine through instincts that were false. + He wills now to unite pure spirit-sight + With human knowledge, which, if treated thus + Would turn to evil, though 'twere good itself. + Thomasius however even now + May be turned back from this his evil way, + If Strader gives himself to certain aims + Which shall in future spiritually guide + All human knowledge, that it may approach + And join itself to knowledge that's divine. + If he would have these aims revealed, he must + As pupil unto Benedictus turn. + +(Pause.) + +STRADER (to Felix Balde): + + O father Felix, give me thine advice. + Hath Theodora really trusted this + Unto Capesius to tell to me? + +FELIX BALDE: + + These last few days I have most earnestly + Held converse often with mine inmost self + To try and to clear my thoughts about this man. + Gladly I'll tell thee all I know myself. + Capesius is living in true wise + The life of spirit-pupilship, although + From his behaviour it seems otherwise. + He is already destined by his fate + Much to accomplish in the spirit-life. + And only can fulfil the duties high + To which his soul hath been already called + If he prepares his spirit for them now. + And yet it lay quite near his nature too, + Instead of seeking light on spirit-paths, + Unto false science to devote himself, + Which can just now make blind so many souls. + The solemn Guardian on the Threshold grim, + Which marks the world of sense from spirit-worlds, + Had duties of a most especial kind + When to the gate Capesius found his way. + To such an earnest seeker must the gate + Needs open, but behind him shut at once. + 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-realms. + He best prepares himself for service high + Which he one day must render to mankind + When he ignores our presence and our talk. + +DAME BALDE: + + There is but one thing he still notices. + 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 ideas. + +CAPESIUS: + + Such stories find their way to spirit-lands + If in the spirit also they are told. + +DAME BALDE: + + Then, if I can collect myself enough + To speak my stories out within myself + I'll think of thee with love: so that they then + May also in the spirit-land be heard. + +Curtain + + + + + + +SCENE 6 + + +A space not circumscribed by artificial walls but enclosed by +intertwined plants like trees and structures which spread out and +send shoots into the interior. Owing to natural occurrences the whole +is moving violently and is sometimes filled with storm. The stage is +divided into two groves, separated for a short distance by a row of +trees. The grove on right of stage is appropriated later by Lucifer and +his Spirits, and the left grove by Ahriman and his Spirits. The dance +movements are set to music. Maria and Capesius are on the stage as the +curtain rises; then Benedictus, Philia, Astrid, Luna, the other Philia, +Lucifer, Ahriman, and Creatures which move in a dancing fashion and +which represent thoughts, lastly the Soul of Dame Balde. + +BENEDICTUS (invisible as yet, only audible): + + Within thy thinking, cosmic thoughts do live. + +CAPESIUS (in astral garb): + + There echoes Benedictus' noble voice; + His words are ringing in the spirit here, + And are the same as in the book of life + Are written down to aid his pupils' work, + Which souls on earth find hard to understand + And which are even harder to fulfil. + What part of spirit-land is this, where sound + The words which serve to test the souls on Earth? + +MARIA: + + 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 thee? + +CAPESIUS: + + What lives here in its own reality + Souls, versed in spirit-ways, can grasp with ease; + Each thing explains itself through something else. + The whole may stand revealed in light, when part + Seen by itself, may often still seem dark. + But when a spirit-essence doth unite + With earthly nature to create some work, + The soul begins to lose her grasp of things. + And not alone a part, but e'en the whole + Is oft concealed from her by darkness deep. + Why words which come in Benedictus' book + And which were written for men's souls on Earth, + Should echo here, within a place like this, + That is the problem which doth offer here. + +BENEDICTUS (still invisible): + + Within thy feeling, cosmic forces play. + +CAPESIUS: + + Again there come the words which on the Earth + Did Benedictus to his pupils trust; + And here in his own voice they echo forth. + They stream through all the limitless expanse + Of this great realm arousing darksome powers. + +MARIA: + + I feel already what I must pass through + Within the boundless spaces of this realm; + And Benedictus' nearness draws me on. + In this place he will let me gaze on things + Incomprehensible to souls on Earth + The while they dwell in bodies bound by sense, + And e'en whilst serving spirit-pupilship. + So must the master bring them to this place + Where words do not depend on human speech, + But are imprinted on their souls by signs; + Here he transforms to speech world happenings-- + A world-descriptive language for the soul. + I'll loose my inmost being from the Earth, + Condensing all my powers within my soul, + And so await whate'er may be revealed + To indicate my way through spirit-space. + And then when I return to life on Earth + 'Twill be a thought which, when recalled will shine + As knowledge in mine inmost depths of soul. + +BENEDICTUS (appears from the background): + + Win thou thyself in power of cosmic thought, + Lose thou thyself in life of cosmic force; + Thou shalt find earthly aims reflect themselves + Through thine own being in the cosmic light. + +CAPESIUS: + + So Benedictus is in spirit here! + Perhaps his words re-echo of themselves. + Doth then the teacher bring the lore of earth + To vivify and work in spirit-realms? + But what can be the meaning here of words + Which he doth use on earth in other ways? + +BENEDICTUS: + + Capesius, thou hast in thine earth-life + Entered within my circle, though in truth + Thou ne'er wast conscious of thy pupilship. + +CAPESIUS: + + Capesius is not within this place; + And his soul will not hear him spoken of. + +BENEDICTUS: + + Thou wilt not feel thou art Capesius + But him in spirit thou shalt see and know. + For thee the powerful work of thought hath now + In thy soul-body caged the spirit-life. + So that thy soul-life can release itself + From thought's dream-play within thine earthly frame. + Too weak it felt itself to wander forth + From out world distances to depths of soul; + Too strong to gaze at lofty spirit-light + Through all the darkness that surrounds the Earth. + I must accompany each one who gains + The spirit-light from me in earthly life + Whether he knows, or doth not know, that he + Came as a spirit-pupil to myself. + And I must lead him further on those paths + Which he in spirit learned to tread through me. + Thou hast through thy soul-sight in cosmic space + Learned to draw nigh the spirit consciously + Since loosed from body thou canst follow it. + But, not yet freed from thought, thou canst not see + True being in the spirit-realm as yet. + First thy sense-body thou must lay aside + But not the fine corporeal web of thought. + Thou only canst perceive the world in truth + When nothing of thy personality + Remains to cloud the clearness of thy sight. + He only who hath learned to view his thoughts + As things outside himself, e'en as the seer + Beholds his earthly form released from him, + Can penetrate to spirit verities. + So look upon this picture that it may + Turn into knowledge through clairvoyant powers + Thoughts, whose true being is built up in space + To forms, which mirror forth the thoughts of men. + +(A cheerful subdued light diffuses itself. Philia, Astrid, and Luna +appear in glowing clouds.) + +(Exeunt Capesius and Maria.) + +VOICES (which sound together, spoken by Philia, Astrid, and Luna): + + Let thoughts hover round + Like weaving of dreams + And build themselves in + To souls that are here; + Let will that creates + And feeling that stirs + And thought that doth work + The dreamer arouse-- + +(While this sounds, Lucifer approaches from one side, and Ahriman from +the other. They go to their thrones raised on each side at the back +of the stage, facing the audience; Lucifer on the right of the stage, +Ahriman on the left.) + +LUCIFER (in a loud voice, emphasizing every word): + + Within thy will do cosmic beings work. + +(On Lucifer's side, beings with golden hair, dressed in crimson and +radiantly beautiful representing thoughts, begin to move. These carry +out, in a dancing fashion, movements which represent the forms of +thought corresponding to Lucifer's words.) + +AHRIMAN (speaking in a loud, hoarse voice): + + These cosmic beings do but puzzle thee. + +(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 words. They have grey hair and are clad in +indigo blue, being square in build, and in appearance distinguished +more by force than beauty. After this the movement from both groups +is carried on together.) + +LUCIFER: + + Within thy feeling cosmic forces play. + +(The thought-beings on Lucifer's side repeat their movements.) + +AHRIMAN: + + The cosmic forces are but mocking thee. + +(The thought-beings on Ahriman's side repeat their movements, then +again both together.) + +LUCIFER: + + Within thy thinking cosmic thought doth live. + +(Repetition of the movements in Lucifer's group.) + +AHRIMAN: + + The cosmic thought doth but bewilder thee. + +(Repetition of the movements in Ahriman's group.) + +(The movements of each group are then repeated four times separately +and thrice together.) + +(The thought-beings vanish left and right; Lucifer and Ahriman remain: +Philia, Luna, and Astrid advance from the background, and speak +together the words they spoke before with the following alteration.) + +PHILIA, ETC.: + + 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-- + +(Philia, Astrid, and Luna vanish. Enter Capesius in astral garb, and +after he has spoken a few words Maria joins him, though at first he +cannot see her.) + +CAPESIUS: + + The soul lives out her life within herself: + Believes she thinks because she does not see + Thoughts all spread out in space in front of her-- + Believes she feels, because the feelings show + No flash like lightning leaping from the clouds; + She sees this realm of space, and gazeth on + The clouds above her ...; and were this not so, + Supposing that the lightning were to flash, + And not an eye looked up above to see, + She needs must think the lightning was in her. + She does not see how Lucifer springs forth + From out her thoughts, and pours her feelings in, + And so believes she is alone with them. + Why doth delusion lead her captive thus? + O soul, give answer to thyself ... yet ... whence? + From out thyself? Ah, nay ... perhaps that, too, + Were answered ... not by thee ... but Lucifer.... + +MARIA: + + And if it were; why then shouldst thou not seek? + Go forth into the deep to find it there.... + +CAPESIUS: + + A being here, who hears the speech of souls? + +MARIA: + + Souls are not here divided each from each + As when within the body they are pent. + Here each soul hears itself in other's speech. + So dost thou only speak unto thyself + When I say: 'Seek thine answer in the deep.' + +CAPESIUS (hesitatingly): + + Ah, in the deep there threatens darksome ... fear. + +MARIA: + + Yea truly, fear is there: but ask thyself, + As thou hast forced thy way within her realm + If she doth not reveal herself to thee. + Ask Lucifer, before whom thou dost stand + If on thy weakness he is pouring fear. + +LUCIFER: + + Who flees from me will love me all the same. + Children of Earth have loved me from the first + And only think that hatred is my due. + So do they ever seek me in my deeds. + If I had not as ornament to life + Sent beauty to their souls, they would long since + Have pined away in truth's cold empty forms + Throughout the long dull progress of the Earth. + '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 thyself, if thou shouldst fear me still. + +MARIA: + + In these domains which Lucifer commands + Fear hath not verily her proper place. + From hence he must send forth into men's souls + Not fear, but wishes, as his gifts to men. + Fear comes from quite another realm of power. + +AHRIMAN: + + At birth I was the equal of the gods, + Who have curtailed my many ancient rights. + I wished in such a way to fashion men + For Lucifer, my brother, and his realm, + That each should bear his own world in himself. + For Lucifer as peer amongst his peers + Would only show himself in spirit-realms. + In others he but shows his pictured form + And so could never be a lord of men. + I wished to give unto mankind such strength + That they might grow to equal Lucifer. + And had I stayed within the realm of gods + This too had been in primal days fulfilled. + The gods however willed to rule on Earth, + And from their kingdom they did one day thrust + My power into the depths of the abyss, + So that I might not make mankind too strong. + And thus 'tis only from this place I dare + Send out my powerful strength upon the Earth. + But in this way my power turns into FEAR. + +(As Ahriman finishes speaking, Benedictus appears.) + +CAPESIUS: + + 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 domains. + +BENEDICTUS: + + In cosmic speech thou shalt perceive thyself; + And feel thyself in cosmic power of thought. + And as thou now didst see outside thyself + What thou didst dream was all thine inmost self, + So find thyself, and shudder now no more + At that one word thou hast a right to use + To prove thine own existence to thyself-- + +CAPESIUS: + + So once more I belong to mine own self + Now will I seek myself, because I dare + To see myself in cosmic thought and live. + +BENEDICTUS: + + And thou must add all this which thou hast won + To victories of old to give the world. + +(Dame Balde in her ordinary dress appears in the background beside +Benedictus.) + +DAME BALDE (in a meditative voice suitable for fairy tales): + + Once on a time there lived a child of God + Who had affinity with those who weave + The thoughtful wisdom of the spirit-realms. + This child, brought up by truth's almighty Sire + Grew up within his realm to ancient strength. + And when his body, radiant with light, + Did feel his ripened will creative stir + He often looked with pity on the Earth + Where souls of men were striving after truth. + Then to the Sire of truth the child would say: + 'The souls of men are thirsting for the drink + Which thou canst hand to them from out thy springs.' + With earnest speech the Sire of truth replied: + 'The springs, of which I am appointed guard, + Let light stream forth from out the spirit-suns; + Only such beings dare to drink the light + As need not thirst for air that they may breathe. + Therefore in light have I brought up a child + Who can feel pity for the souls on Earth + And manifest the light 'midst breathing men. + So turn and go unto mankind and bring + The light that's in their souls to meet my light + Enfilled with confidence and spirit-life.' + So then the shining light-child turned, and went + To souls who keep themselves alive by breath. + And many good men found he on the Earth, + Who offered him with joy their souls' abode. + These souls he turned to gaze with grateful love + Upon their Sire who dwells in springs of light. + And when the child heard from the lips of men + And joyous mind of men, the magic word + Of fantasy, he knew himself alive + Dwelling with gladness in the hearts of men. + But one sad day there came unto the child + A man who cast upon him chilling looks. + '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 replied: 'Thou dost but weave wild dreams + Into men's spirits, and deceiv'st their souls.' + And since the day which witnessed this event + The child who can bring light to breathing souls + Hath often suffered slander from mankind. + +(Philia, Astrid, Luna, and the Other Philia appear in a cloud of +light.) + +PHILIA: + + Now let every soul + That drinks of the light + Awake to full power + In cosmic expanse. + +ASTRID: + + So too let the spirit + That knoweth no fear + Arise in full power + In cosmic domains. + +LUNA: + + Let man who doth strive + To reach to the heights + Hold firm with full strength + To innermost self. + +THE OTHER PHILIA: + + Let man struggle on + To him who bears light + And opens out worlds + Which quicken in men + The sense of delight. + This beauty so bright + Awakened in souls, + Inspired to admire, + The spirit leads on + To realms of the gods. + Achievement consoles + The feelings that dare + The threshold to tread, + Which strictly doth guard + 'Gainst souls that feel fear. + And energy finds + A will that grows ripe + And fearless doth stand + 'Fore powers that create + And fashion the worlds. + +Curtain falls whilst Benedictus, Capesius, Maria, Dame Balde, Lucifer, +and Ahriman, and the four Soul-forms, are still in their places. + + + + + + +SCENE 7 + + +A landscape composed of fantastic forms. 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 sublime. In the centre +a chasm belching forth fire which leaps up into a kind of barrier of +fire and water. The Guardian of the Threshold stands in the centre with +flaming sword erect. His costume is the conventional angelic garb. The +Guardian, Thomasius, Maria, later on Lucifer and then the other Philia. + +THE GUARDIAN: + + What unchecked wish doth sound within mine ear? + So storm men's souls when first approaching me + E'er they have fully gained tranquillity. + It is desire that really leads such men + And not creative power which dares to speak + Since it in silence could itself create. + The souls which thus comport themselves when here + I needs must relegate again to Earth, + For in the Spirit-realm they can but sow + Confusion, and do but disturb the deeds + Which cosmic powers have wisely foreordained. + Such men can also injure their own selves + Who form destructive passions in their hearts + Which are mistaken for creative powers, + Since they must take delusion for the truth + When earthly darkness no more shelters them. + +(Thomasius and Maria appear.) + +THOMASIUS: + + Thou dost not see upon thy threshold now + The soul of him who was the pupil once + Of Benedictus, and came oft to thee, + Thomasius, although upon the Earth + It had to call Thomasius' form its own. + He came to thee, his thirst for knowledge quenched + And could not bear to have thee near to him. + He hid in his own personality + When he felt near thee, and thus oft did see + Worlds which, he thought, made clear the origin + Of all existence and the goal of life. + 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 source, so that he felt + There truly lived within him cosmic powers, + Which held him steady to his artist's work. + He did not know that nought before him stood + In all that he created through his thought + Except the living content of his soul. + Like spiders, spinning webs around themselves + So did he work, and thought himself the world. + Indeed he once thought that Maria stood + Opposed to him in spirit, till he saw + That picture she had graven on his soul + Which then as spirit did reveal itself. + And when he was allowed a moment's glimpse + Of his own being, as it really was, + He gladly would have fled away from self; + He thought himself a spirit but he found + He was a creature but of flesh and blood. + He learned to know the power of this same blood; + 'Twas there in truth, the rest was but a shade. + Blood was his teacher true; and this alone + Gave him clear vision, and revealed to him + Who was his sire and who his sister dear + In long forgotten ages on the Earth. + To blood-relations his blood guided him. + Then did he see how strongly souls of men + Must be deceived when they in vanity + Would rise to spirit from the life of sense. + Such effort truly binds the soul more firm + To sense-existence than a daily life, + Dull human dream existence following. + 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 picture, for he knew + That Lucifer himself is really there + E'en if he can but show his pictured form. + The gods desire to draw near to mankind + Through truth alone; but Lucifer--to him + It matters not if men see false or true, + He ever will remain the same himself. + 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 mine. + +(To the Guardian.) + + 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 lies. + +THE GUARDIAN: + + Thomasius, think well what thou dost know. + What o'er this threshold lives is all unknown; + Yet dost thou know quite well all I must ask, + Before thou canst set foot within this realm. + Thou must first part with many of those powers + Which thou hast won when in thine earthly frame. + Out of them all thou canst alone retain + That which by efforts, pure and spiritual, + Thou didst achieve, and which thou hast kept pure. + But this thou hast thyself cast off from thee + And given as his own to Ahriman. + What still is thine hath been by Lucifer + Destroyed for use within the spirit-world. + This too upon the threshold I must take + If thou wouldst really pass this portal by. + So nought remains to thee; a lifeless life + Must be thy lot within the spirit-realms. + +THOMASIUS: + + Yet I shall be and Theodora find. + She'll be for me the source of fullest light, + Which ever hath so richly been revealed + Unto her soul, apart from lore of Earth. + That is enough. And thou wilt set thyself + In vain against me, 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 ago. + +MARIA (to the Guardian): + + Thou knowest well, 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 belong: + So too with men, who meet thee at this gate + If they do come alone, and cannot show + That they have done true spirit-good they must + Go back again from here to life on Earth. + But this man here hath been allowed to bring + That other soul unto thy threshold now + Whom fate hath bound so closely with his own. + Thou hast been ordered by high spirit powers + To keep back many men from here, 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'er. + Yet thou may'st throw it open unto those + Who through their inmost personality + Are in the spirit-realms inclined to love, + And to such love can cling as they press through, + As hath been foreordained them by the gods + Before to battle Lucifer came forth. + Standing before his throne my heart hath vowed + With strictest oath, that in Earth's future times + It would so serve this love that Lucifer, + When he gives knowledge of it to men's souls + Can do no harm. And those who listen well + For the revealing of this love divine + With earnest minds, as once they strove to grasp + The knowledge given forth by Lucifer, + They must inevitably find themselves. + Johannes in his earthly form doth now + No longer listen to my voice, as once, + 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 perfectly. + 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 power. + +THOMASIUS (as one who perceives some spiritual being): + + Maria, dost thou see, clad in long cloak + That dignified old man, his solemn face, + His noble brow, the flashing of his glance? + He passeth through the streets, 'mid crowds of men + Yet each doth step aside in reverence + That yon old man may go his way in peace, + And lest his train of thought be rudely stirred. + For one can see that, wrapped within himself + He meditates with powerful inmost thought. + Maria, dost thou see? + +MARIA: + + Yea, I can see, + When through the eyes of thine own soul I look. + But 'tis to thee alone that he would now + Reveal himself in scenes significant. + +THOMASIUS: + + I now can see into his very soul, + Things full of meaning lie within its depths + And memory of something he's just heard. + Before his eyes there stands a teacher wise. + He lets the words which he hath heard from him + Pass through his soul; it is from him he comes. + His thinking scans the very source of life; + As once mankind in olden times on Earth + Might stand quite near and view the spirit-scenes, + Although their soul-life was but like a dream; + The old man's soul doth trace that line of thought + Which from his honoured teacher he hath learned. + And now he disappears from my soul's sight; + Ah, if I could but watch his further steps. + I see men speaking with each other now + Among the crowd; and I can hear their words. + They speak of that old man with reverence deep. + In his young days he was a soldier brave; + Ambition, and desire to be renowned + Were burning in his soul; he wished to count + As foremost warrior within his ranks. + In battle's service he did perpetrate + Unnumbered gruesome deeds through thirst for fame. + And in his life full many a time it chanced + He caused much blood to flow upon the earth. + At last there came a day when suddenly + The luck of battle turned its back on him. + He left the battlefield in bitter shame + To enter his own home, a man disgraced; + Scorn and derision were his lot in life, + And from that time wild hatred filled his soul + Which had not lost its pride and love of fame. + He looked upon his boon-companions now + Only as enemies to be destroyed + As soon as opportunity occurred. + But since the man's proud soul was soon compelled + To recognize that vengeance on his foes + Would not be possible for him in life, + He learned the victory o'er his own self + And vanquished all his pride and love of fame. + He even made resolve in his old age + A circle small of pupils to attend + Which had arisen then within his town. + 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 crowd. + It fills me with warm love when I behold + With my soul's sight, this agèd man, 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 myself, + Although I see him but in pictured form. + This feeling howsoe'er it comes to me + Is not a moment's work. Through lives long past + I must have been in closest union joined + Unto a soul I love as I love him. + I have not in this moment roused in me + A love so strong as that which now I feel; + It is a recollection from past times; + Nor can I grasp it with my thought as yet,-- + Though memory calls these feelings back to me. + Surely I once was pupil of this man + And full of awe and wonder gazed on him? + Oh, how I long once more in this same hour + To meet the earthly soul which formerly + Could speak about this body as its own, + No matter if on Earth or otherwhere. + Then would I prove the strength with which I love; + What noble human ties did once create + This can good powers alone renew in me. + +MARIA: + + Art thou quite sure, Johannes, 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 soul? + Perchance it now is chained a prisoner + By feelings all unworthy of its past. + Many a man now walks upon the Earth + Who would be filled with shame, if he could see + How little in his present mode of life + Doth correspond with that which once he was. + Perchance this man hath wallowed in the mire + Of lust and passion, and thou saw'st him now + Oppressed by consternation and remorse. + +THOMASIUS: + + Maria, why dost thou suggest such words? + I cannot see what leads thee so to speak. + For thoughts have here quite other influence, + Than in the places where that man hath lived. + +THE GUARDIAN: + + Johannes, that which here within this place + Reveals itself is proving of thy soul. + Gaze on the groundwork of thy self, and see + What thou, unknowing, willst and canst perform. + All that was hidden in thine inmost depths + While thou wert living with thy soul still blind. + +(Lucifer appears.) + + Will now appear and rob thee of the dark + In whose protection thou wast living then. + So now perceive what human soul it is + To whom thou dost bow down in ardent love, + And who indwelt the body thou didst see. + Perceive to whom thy strongest love is given. + +LUCIFER: + + Sink thyself deep in depths of thine own self; + Perceive the strongest powers of thine own soul; + And learn to know how this strong love of thine + Can hold thee upright in the cosmic life. + +THOMASIUS: + + Yea, now I feel the soul that wished to show + Itself to me--'tis Theodora's self-- + 'Twas she who wished to be revealed to me. + She stood before me since 'tis her I'll see + When I have gained an entrance through this gate. + 'Tis right to love her, for her soul did stand + Before me in that other body-form + Which showed me how 'tis her that I must love. + Through thee alone will I now find myself + And win the future, fighting in thy strength. + +THE GUARDIAN: + + I cannot keep thee back from what must be. + In pictured form thou hast already seen + The soul thou lovest best; her shalt thou see + When thou hast crossed the threshold of this realm. + Perceive, and let experience decide + If it shall prove so healing as thou dream'st. + +THE OTHER PHILIA: + + Ah, heed thou not the guardian strict + Who leadeth thee to wastes of life + And robs thee of thy warmth of soul; + He can but see the spirit-forms, + And knoweth naught of human woe + Which souls can only then endure + When earthly love doth guard them safe + From chilling cosmic space. + Strictness to him belongs, + From him doth kindness flee, + And power to wish + He hath abhorred + Since first the Earth began. + +Curtain + + + + + + +SCENE 8 + + +Ahriman's Kingdom. No sky is visible. A dark enclosure like a mountain +gorge whose black masses of rock tower up in fantastic forms, divided +by streams of fire. Skeletons are visible everywhere; they appear to +be crystallized out of the mountain, but are white. Their attitude +suggests the habitual egoism of their last life. Prominent on one +side is a miser and on the other a massive glutton etc., etc. Ahriman +is seated on a rock. Hilary, Frederick Trustworthy, then the Twelve +who were gathered together in the first scene; then Strader; later +on Thomasius and Maria; last of all Thomasius' Double. + +TRUSTWORTHY: + + How often have I trod this realm before.-- + 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 aims. + +HILARY: + + The grain of corn must fall to earth and die + Before the life within it can return. + All that in earthly life hath run to waste + Shall here unto new being be transformed. + And when our league desires to plant the seeds + Of human acts, to ripen in due course, + 'Tis from the dead that we must fetch the grain. + +TRUSTWORTHY: + + Uncanny is the lord who here bears rule; + And if it were not written in our books, + Which are the greatest treasures of our shrine, + That he whom here we often meet, is good, + One would indeed as evil reckon him. + +HILARY: + + Not only books, but e'en my spirit-sight + Declares that what is here revealed is good. + +AHRIMAN (in a feigned voice, sardonically): + + I know why ye are gathered here again. + Ye would discover from me how 'twere best + To guide the soul of him who oft before + Hath stood upon the threshold of your shrine. + Because ye think Thomasius is lost + Ye now believe that Strader is the man + To do you service in the mystic league. + What he hath won for progress of mankind + By use of powers which follow nature's laws, + For this he oweth thanks to me, since I + Hold sway where powers mechanical obtain + Strength for themselves from their creative founts. + So all that he may do to help mankind + It needs must turn itself unto my realm. + But this time I myself will see to it + That what I wish shall happen to this man + In future, since ye lost Thomasius + By your own work through leaving me aside. + If ye desire to serve the spirit-powers + Ye first must conquer for yourselves those powers + Which in this case ye tried to cast aside. + +(Ahriman becomes invisible.) + +TRUSTWORTHY (after a pause, during which he has withdrawn into +himself): + + Exalted Master, care oppresseth me + Though I have striven long to banish it, + For this is laid upon me by strict rules + Which have been ordered for us by our league. + But much that shows the life of this same league + Hath made the struggle in my soul severe; + Yet would I ever thankfully submit + My darkness to the spirit-light, which thou + Art capable of giving through thy powers. + But when I must full often clearly see + Thou wert a victim of delusion's snare + And how thy words, e'en as events fell out, + Did often prove so grievously at fault, + Then have I felt as though some wicked elf + Were resting painfully upon my soul. + And this time also are thy words at fault. + Thou couldst have reckoned that we certainly + Should hear good tidings from this spirit here. + +HILARY: + + 'Tis hard to understand the cosmic ways. + My brother, we are well-advised to wait + Until the spirit indicates the way + Which is ordained for that which we create. + +(Exeunt Hilary and Trustworthy.) + +AHRIMAN (who has re-appeared): + + They see, but do not recognize me yet; + For had they known who rules within this place + They certainly would not have ventured here + To seek direction; and they would condemn + To age-long pains of hell that human soul + Of whom, they heard, that it did visit me. + +(All the persons who at the beginning of the play were assembled +in the ante-room of the mystic league now appear on the scene; +they are blindfolded to show their ignorance of the fact that they +are in Ahriman's kingdom. The words they speak live in their souls, +but they know nothing of them. They are experiencing during sleep +unconscious dreams which are audible in Ahriman's kingdom. Strader, +who also appears, is however semi-conscious with regard to all that +he experiences, so that later on he will be able to recollect it.) + +STRADER: + + The hint that Benedictus gave to me + That I should cultivate my power of thought, + Hath led me to this kingdom of the dead. + Although I hoped that raised to spirit-realms + I should find truth on wisdom's sun-clad heights. + +AHRIMAN: + + What thou canst learn of wisdom in this place + Thou wilt find all-sufficient for long time, + If here thou dost comport thyself aright. + +STRADER: + + Before what spirit doth my soul then stand? + +AHRIMAN: + + That shalt thou know when memory presently + Can call again to thee what here thou see'st. + +STRADER: + + And all these folk, why do I find them here + Within thy darksome realm? + +AHRIMAN: + + 'Tis but as souls + That they are in this place: they do not know + Aught of themselves when here, since in their homes + Sunk now in deepest sleep they would be found. + But here quite clearly all will be revealed + That lives within their souls, though they would scarce + On waking think such thoughts could be their own. + So too, they cannot hear us when we speak. + +LOUISA FEAR-GOD: + + The soul should not in blind devotion think + That it can raise itself in haughty pride + Up to the light, or that it can unfold + Unto its full extent its own true self. + I will but recognize what I do know. + +AHRIMAN (only audible to Strader): + + And dost not know how bluntly thou dost lead + In haughty pride thyself into the dark. + She too will serve thee, Strader, in the work + That thou hast wrung so boldly from my powers. + She doth not need for that the spirit-faith + Which seems so ill-accorded with her pride. + +FREDERICK CLEAR-MIND: + + Entrancing are indeed these mystic paths; + Nor will I henceforth fail in diligence, + But give myself completely to the lore + That I can gather from the Temple's words. + +MICHAEL NOBLEMAN: + + The impulse after truth within my soul + Is drawing me toward the spirit-light; + The noble teaching which now shines so clear + In human life, will surely find that I + Am the best pupil that it ever had. + +GEORGE CANDID: + + I ever have been deeply moved by all + That hath revealed itself from many a source + Of noble mystic spirit-treasuries. + With all my heart would I yet further strive. + +AHRIMAN (audible only to Strader): + + Such men mean well: yet doth their striving stay + But in the upper layers of their souls. + And so can I make use for many years + Of all these mighty treasures which lie hid + Unconsciously within their spirits' depths. + They too seem useful to my constant aim + That Strader's work in mankind's life on earth + Shall with proud brilliance unfold itself. + +MARY STEADFAST: + + 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-reality. + +AHRIMAN (audible only to Strader): + + She speaks in dreams of this reality; + She'll dream so much the better when she wakes. + Yet she will be of little service now. + Perchance in her next life she'll help me more, + For then she will appear as occultist + And as need may arise will teach mankind + About their life since first the Earth began. + And yet she scarce will treasure truth aright; + In former lives she oft did Strader chide + And now she praiseth him: so doth she change, + And Lucifer will be more glad of her. + +FRANCESCA HUMBLE: + + The solemn mystic kingdom will one day + Be pictured by mankind as one great whole, + When thought through feeling shall express itself + And feeling let itself be led by thought. + +KATHARINE COUNSEL: + + Mankind, 'tis true, doth strive to see the light; + But strange indeed the methods he pursues. + For first he quencheth it, and is surprised + That he can find it nowhere in the dark. + +AHRIMAN (audible only to Strader): + + So too with souls: they find it good to talk + As voicing the well-being of their mind, + But underneath they fail in constancy. + Such are for me quite unapproachable, + And yet they will in future much achieve + From which I'll reap a harvest of good fruit. + They are by no means what they think themselves. + +BERNARD STRAIGHT: + + If knowledge is not gained through cautious search + Then fantasy brings nought but airy forms + To solve the riddle of the universe, + Which only can be mastered by strict thought. + +ERMINIA STAY-AT-HOME: + + The cosmic substance must for ever change + That all existence may unfold itself; + And he who fain would keep all things the same + Will lack the power to understand life's aims. + +GASPER HOTSPUR: + + To live in fantasy, 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 men. + +MARY DAUNTLESS: + + The soul that would but burden its own self + Should form itself through outside powers alone; + True men will only seek development + From out their hidden personalities. + +AHRIMAN (audible only to Strader): + + It is but human what these souls conceal. + One cannot tell what they may yet achieve; + For Lucifer may try his power on them, + And make them think they are but working out + Each his own powers of soul with steadfast aim; + And so perchance he hath not lost them yet. + +FOX: + + He who would cosmic riddles rightly read + Must wait till understanding and right thought + Reveal themselves through powers within his life, + And he who fain would find his way aright + Must seize all he can use that gives him joy. + Above all else the search for wisdom's lore + To give high aims to weak humanity-- + This leads to nothing on this Earth of ours. + +AHRIMAN (audible only to Strader): + + He hath been chosen as philosopher, + And such he will appear in his next life-- + With him I do but balance my account. + Seven of twelve I ever need myself + And five I give to Brother Lucifer. + From time to time I take account of men + And see both what they are and what they do. + And when I once have chosen out my twelve + I do not need to search for any more. + For if I come in number to thirteen + The last is just exactly like the first. + When I have got these twelve within my realm + And can through their soul-nature fashion them, + Then others too must ever follow them. + +(To himself; holding his hands over Strader's ears so that he shall +not hear.) + + True, none of this have I achieved as yet, + Since Earth refused to give herself to me. + But I shall strive throughout eternity, +[1] Until--perchance--I gain the victory. + One must make use of what is not yet lost. + +(The following so that it is again audible to Strader): + + Thou seest I do not flatter with fine words, + Indeed I do not wish to please mankind. + He who would inspiration seek for lofty aims + In speech well-regulated and arranged, + Needs must betake himself to other worlds. + But, who with reason and a sense for truth + Perceives the things which here I bring to pass, + He can acknowledge that it is with me + The powers are found, without which human souls + Must lose themselves whilst living on the Earth. + The very worlds of gods make use of me, + And only seek to draw souls from my grasp + When I grow active in their own domain. + 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 universe, + Then souls may dream indeed of higher worlds, + But strength and power decay in earthly life. + +STRADER: + + Thou seest in me one who would follow thee + And give his powers to thee to use at will. + 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 mind. + In truth thou didst not flatter with fine words; + For thou didst well-nigh mock these poor weak men + When it did please thee to portray their fate. + + I must confess that it seems good to me + What thou wouldst give unto the souls of men, + For they will only be enriched with strength + For what is good through thee, and will but gain + That which is bad, if they were bad before. + If only men did better know themselves + They must for certain feel with all their hearts + The bitter scorn that thou dost cast on them. + + But what is here wrung forth from out my soul? + I speak such words as would destroy my life + If on the Earth I found that they were true. + + Thou must so think; I cannot otherwise + Than find that what thou hast just said is true; + Yet 'tis but truth when in this realm of thine: + It would be error for the world of Earth + If it prove there to be what it seems here. + I must no further trace my human thoughts + Within this place--they now must have an end. + In thy rough words there soundeth pain for thee, + And they are painful too in mine own soul. + + I can--whilst facing thee--but weep--and cry---- + +(Exit quickly.) + +(Enter Maria and Thomasius both fully conscious, so that they can +hear and understand all that goes on, and speak about it.) + +THOMASIUS: + + Maria, terror reigns on every side, + It closeth in and presseth on my soul; + Whence shall come inward strength to conquer it? + +MARIA: + + My holy, earnest vow doth ray out power: + And thou canst bear this pressure on thy soul + If thou wilt feel the healing power it gives. + +AHRIMAN (to himself): + + 'Tis Benedictus who hath sent them here; + He guided them that they might recognize + And know me, when they feel me in my realm. + +(He speaks the rest so that Thomasius and Maria can hear.) + + Thomasius, 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 self. + Here I can give thee truth although with pain, + As I have suffered many thousand years, + For though the truth can penetrate to me, + It must first separate itself from joy + Before it dares to venture though my porch. + +THOMASIUS: + + So must I joylessly behold the soul + Whom I so ardently desire to see? + +AHRIMAN: + + A wish doth only lead to happiness + When warmth of soul can cherish it; but here + All wishes freeze, and needs must live in cold. + +MARIA: + + E'en in the ever empty fields of ice + I may go with my friend, where he will be + Encircled by the light which spirits bring + When darkness wounds and maims the powers of life. + Thomasius, feel now thy soul's full strength. + +(The Guardian appears upon the Threshold.) + +AHRIMAN: + + The Guardian himself must bring the light + That thou dost now so ardently desire. + +THOMASIUS: + + 'Tis Theodora whom I wish to see. + +THE GUARDIAN: + + The soul that on my threshold clothed itself + In that same veil which many years ago + It wore on earth, hath kindled in the depths + Of thine own soul in solemn hours of life + The strongest love which was concealed in thee. + While thou wert standing yet outside this realm + And first didst beg from me an entrance here, + It stood before thee in a pictured form, + And, being thus conceived by inward wish, + Can only show delusion's vain conceits. + 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'st. + +THOMASIUS: + + I see him now again in his long cloak, + That worthy ancient with his earnest brow; + O soul, who dwelt within this covering + Why dost thou hide thyself so long from me? + It must--it can--but Theodora be. + Ah, see--now from the covered picture, comes + Reality: 'tis Theo ... 'tis myself---- + +(As Thomasius begins the name 'Theodora,' his Double appears.) + +HIS DOUBLE (coming close up to Thomasius): + + Perceive me--and then know thyself in me. + +MARIA: + + And I may follow thee to cosmic depths + Where souls can win perception e'en as gods + By conquest that destroyeth, yet acquires + By bold persistence life from seeming death. + +(Peals of thunder, and increasing darkness.) + +Curtain + + + + + + +SCENE 9 + + +A pleasant, sunny morning landscape, in a terraced garden overlooking +a town with many factories. + +Benedictus, Capesius, Maria, Thomasius, and Strader are discovered +walking up and down and engaged in leisurely conversation. Benedictus +wears a white biretta and is in his white robe, but without the +golden stole. + +CAPESIUS: + + Here is the place, 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 words. + Out yonder lies what ever must divide + With pitiless intent the souls of men + From all the wondrous beauty of the earth, + That nature's God doth shower so bounteous here. + In yon waste sea of houses in the town + Doth Benedictus ever nobly strive + To heal this human woe by deeds of love. + And when with human words so wise and true + He tells his pupils of the spirit-world, + He seeks for hearts, which free creative power + That here reveals itself in wakening souls, + Hath filled with sunshine and with love for men. + I, too, may now behold the happiness + Which through his words doth reach the heart of man. + Since he in love hath underta'en the task + Of guiding me within the spirit-world: + And now when I may feel that he is near + I shall again discover mine own self. + +BENEDICTUS: + + 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 earth. + Thy life itself will help to loose this knot. + In hearts of men who give themselves in truth + To follow wisdom, which I serve myself, + Thou canst by thine own power discover those + Joined unto whom thou wilt complete the work + For which in spirit thou hast been prepared. + +CAPESIUS: + + Thee have I known, and I will follow thee. + As I held converse with mine inmost soul, + When I had been allowed to hear thy words + Within the spirit-realm in their true form, + And thou hadst brought me to myself again, + Then could I see portrayed in spirit-light + The aims which in the progress of the earth + I was to follow in my future lives. + And now I know that thou didst choose for me + The one right way for this to be revealed. + +BENEDICTUS: + + Thomasius and Strader will henceforth + United with thyself accomplish much + That best may serve to further human health. + 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 course. + +CAPESIUS: + + So I must thank my fate's unbending powers + Which seemed at first incomprehensible, + That when the rightful moment came at last + My life's aim suddenly revealed itself. + +(He pauses meditatively.) + + How wonderfully hast thou led me on: + 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 men. + For many years I could find nought but thoughts + When in thy writings I absorbed myself. + And then, quite suddenly, around me flowed + The spirit-world in its reality; + I scarce knew how to find myself aright + Within my former more accustomed world. + +BENEDICTUS: + + 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 dim. + And so thou too, with thy full spirit-sight + Must on that threshold learn to know thyself, + Where others first can gain their spirit-sight. + +(During the last words Strader walks up to Capesius and the three go +away together: after a short time Benedictus returns with Strader.) + +STRADER: + + It gave deep pain, 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 release. + My deadened soul-life first tormented me + On my return, yet 'twas not only pain; + For it brought forth in me the memory + Of all I lived through ere I saw with dread + What I could learn from Ahriman himself, + That every thought must cease its progress there. + 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 objects, which that power desires + To make his own through deeds that I have done. + He, in his wisdom, wanted to select + Twelve helpers from the number of mankind. + +BENEDICTUS: + + Yet 'tis well known to thee why all these souls, + Which Ahriman showed forth, drew near to thee, + When he would force himself upon their fates. + +STRADER: + + That also bitter pain revealed to me: + It showed how in a former life on Earth + I was united to a brotherhood + Which now hath formed again its mystic league, + And how those people stood towards myself, + Who were in their true nature then revealed. + And I could feel quite sure that Ahriman + Will use the bond, which e'en in future lives + Must ever surely bind their souls to mine. + +BENEDICTUS: + + The cosmic powers do so direct their deeds + That these with cosmic progress may unite + By following in wisdom number's laws. + The sign how this direction is fulfilled + Shows itself clearly to the outer sense; + If it doth watch the Sun upon the course + He takes throughout the constellations twelve. + 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 time. + So Ahriman desired to mould the souls + Of those who are united thus to thee + To powers from whence thy work might shine afar. + He also wished to follow number's laws + In binding their soul-nature unto thine. + +STRADER: + + Since I have learned the sense of number's law, + So shall I too succeed in rescuing + My work from out the realm of Ahriman + And offering it to the gods of Earth. + +BENEDICTUS: + + It was through Ahriman thou hadst to learn + The sense of number in the universe; + So was it needful for thine own soul's good. + 'Twas spirit-pupilship that guided thee + Into that realm, which thou didst need to know + If thy creative power should bloom aright. + +(Exeunt Benedictus and Strader. Maria and Thomasius appear from the +other side.) + +MARIA: + + Johannes, knowledge hath thy soul acquired + From truth's cold realms. No longer wilt thou now + Weave only in thy pictures that which souls, + Still pent within the body, live in dreams, + For far from cosmic progress are those thoughts + Which but as self-begotten show themselves. + +THOMASIUS: + + 'Tis love of self--although they may pretend + 'Tis thirst for knowledge maketh them do this. + +MARIA: + + 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 bring, + Where order with confusion aye doth fight, + The rhythmic law of number and its power. + For knowledge only hath true active life, + That can reveal itself within the soul + When it can bring to men, still clothed in flesh, + The memory of life in spirit-realms. + +THOMASIUS: + + My course of life is thus made clear to me. + I had to feel myself a twofold man. + Through Benedictus' help and through thine own + I am a being standing by myself; + And all the forces that within me stir + Do not belong at all to mine own self. + Ye now have given me a manhood new + Who must be willing to give other men + What he hath gained by spirit-pupilship. + He must devote himself unto the world + As best he can: naught from that other man + Must mingle and disturb what now at last + He hath as true self-knowledge recognized. + Contained in his own world he will go on, + If his own strength and help from both his friends + Shall in the future serve to form his fate. + +MARIA: + + Whether thou walk'st in error or in truth + Thou canst keep ever clear the view ahead; + Which lets thy soul press farther on its path, + If thou dost bravely bear necessities + Imposed upon thee by the spirit-realm. + +Curtain + + + + + + +SCENE 10 + + +The Temple of the mystic League mentioned in the first and second +pictures. Here Benedictus, Torquatus, and Trustworthy have the robes +and insignia of their office of Hierophant as described in the 'Portal +of Initiation.' The Eastern altar supports a golden sphere; a blue +sphere rests upon the Southern altar; whilst the sphere upon the +altar of the West is red. As the scene opens Benedictus and Hilary +are standing at the altar in the East; Bellicosus and Torquatus +at the altar in the South; Trustworthy at the altar in the West; +then enter Thomasius, Capesius, Strader; then Maria, Felix Balde, +and Dame Balde; and later on the Soul of Theodora; and last of all +the four Soul-Forces. + +BENEDICTUS: + + The souls of all my pupils have received + The spirit-light, each in that special form + Which was appointed for him by his fate. + What they have now achieved each for himself + Each now must render fruitful for mankind. + But this can only happen, if their powers + According unto number's rhythmic law + Desire to join within the holy place + To form the higher unity, which first + Can waken to true life what otherwise + Could only stay in solitary state. + They stand upon the threshold of the shrine, + Whose souls must first unite, and then shall sound + In unison according to the rules + Imprinted in the cosmic book of fate. + That what it could not bring to pass itself + The spirit harmony may thus achieve. + 'Twill bring fresh inspiration to the old + Which here hath nobly reigned since time was not. + To you, ye brethren, I these pupils bring + Who found their way here through the spirit-worlds + And through the strictest proving of their souls. + The holy customs will they treat with awe. + And treasure ancient sacred mystic ways + Which here are seen as powers of spirit-light. + Ye too, who have fulfilled in truest wise + Your lofty spirit-service for so long, + Henceforth will be entrusted with new tasks. + The cosmic plan doth call the sons of men + But for a time unto the sacred shrine, + And when in service they exhaust their strength + It guideth them to other fields of work. + Even this temple had to stand its trial; + And one man's error had to guard it once, + The guardian of the light--from darkness deep, + One cosmic hour big with the fate of worlds. + Thomasius perceived through inward light + Which rules unconscious in the souls of men, + That o'er its threshold he must not pursue + His way unto the holy mystic shrine + Ere he had crossed that other threshold o'er, + Of which this only is the outward sign. + So of himself he shut the door again + Which you would fain have opened wide in love. + He will now as another come again + Worthy of your initiation's gift. + +HILARY: + + Our souls here humbly offer sacrifice + Unto the spirit by whose power alone + The inner soul of man is fructified. + And we would strive that our own wills may be + A revelation of the spirit-will. + By cosmic wisdom is the temple led + Which unconfused doth guide to future times. + Thou showest us directions which thyself + Hast read within the cosmic book of fate, + What time thy pupils passed their proof severe. + So lead them now within our sacred shrine, + That they may join their work unto our own. + +(Hilary knocks within the Temple; then enter Thomasius, Capesius, +Maria, Felix Balde, Dame Balde, and Strader. Trustworthy and Torquatus +so guide their entrance that when they come to the middle of the +Temple, Thomasius is standing in front of Benedictus and Hilary, +Capesius in front of Bellicosus and Torquatus, Strader in front of +Trustworthy, whilst Maria is with Felix and Dame Balde.) + +HILARY: + + My son, the words man utters in this place + Spell guilt which cries aloud to spirit-worlds + Unless the speaker follows truth alone. + As great the guilt, so strong too are the powers + Which strike it, and destroy the one who speaks + And proves himself unworthy of his task. + He who is standing here before thee now, + 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 east. + It is the will of fate that thou henceforth + Shalt stand and serve within this sacred place. + And he who consecrates thee to the task + And of his office hands thee now the key, + Doth give his blessing also that it may + Prove of good service, in so far as he + Hath served the sacred customs worthily. + +THOMASIUS: + + Exalted Master, he would not presume-- + This poor weak mortal, who doth dare to stand + Before thee now in body,--e'en to shape + One wish that thy successor he might be + Within this ancient consecrated place. + He is not worthy e'en to place one step + Across the threshold of this mystic shrine, + But what he dares not wish for, for himself, + He must perceive in deep humility + Since powers of fate have of necessity + Desired to send this call unto his soul. + It was not I, as I am in my life + Nor as I saw myself a short time back + In spirit, as a wholly worthless soul, + That let me now draw near unto this place. + And yet the man who stands here visible + Hath been, by Benedictus and his friend, + Endowed with second manhood, which the first + Shall henceforth only as a bearer serve. + 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 soul. + If, in such case, 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-eyes, + That nought from his own self must enter in + Nor cause disturbance in that work, which he + Hath not himself arranged nor brought to pass + But which his second self must execute. + 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 self. + Throughout his life he'll carry his own cares + Locked fast in deep recesses of his soul. + I told thee when at first thou called'st me + That I could never tread the temple courts + In mine own human personality. + He who now comes, as though another's life + Had been entrusted to him, 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 command. + +TORQUATUS (in the South, to Capesius): + + Capesius, 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 rays. + He who would to the spirit sacrifice + With understanding of the mystic work, + Must needs face dangers here, for Lucifer + Can in this place draw near with secret tread + To whomsoever faithfully doth try + To carry out the spirit-service here, + And on each word he can impress the seal + That marks the adversary of the gods. + Thou stood'st before the adversary's throne + And saw'st what follows his activities; + So for thine office thou art well prepared. + +CAPESIUS: + + He who hath viewed the adversary's realm + As powers of fate permitted me to do, + He knows that 'good' and 'evil' are but words + Which mankind scarce can understand aright. + Who speaks of Lucifer as wholly bad + Might also say that fire is evil too, + Because it hath a power that can kill life; + He might call water evil, since a man + Might in the water easily be drowned. + +TORQUATUS: + + Through other things doth Lucifer appear + As evil to thee; not through that which he + Would indicate as evil of himself. + +CAPESIUS: + + The cosmic spirit who could bring the light + To souls of men when first the Earth was formed + Must render service to the universe, + In ways which in themselves seem neither good + Nor evil unto spirits who have learned + What stern necessity doth oft reveal. + For good can turn to ill, if evil minds + Make use of it for their destructive ends; + And what seems evil may be turned to good + If some good being guideth it aright. + +TORQUATUS: + + So dost thou know what thou wilt have to do + So long as thou dost stand within this place. + 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 depths. + +BENEDICTUS (in the East): + + Yet love speaks often with such gentle words, + And needs support within the depths of soul. + Here in this place she will unite with all + That follows cosmic law with threefold will + And is unto the spirit dedicate. + Maria will unite her work to thine. + The vow she took in Lucifer's domain + Is now permitted to ray forth its powers. + +MARIA: + + Capesius spake words of deep import + Which can reveal the truth if they proceed + From that same spirit which can guide mankind + Toward true love, in progress of the Earth, + But which but error upon error heap + When they are fashioned by an evil mind + And in the soul transform themselves to ill. + '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-space. + But then the human soul will always wish + To waken also in its inmost depths + What it can only gaze on and admire. + 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 within. + When he, the bearer of the light, sends forth + His rays of wisdom and the worlds are filled + With haughty sense of self, and with full light + Each creature's personality shines forth + A pattern of his own imperious self, + Then may the inmost being of the soul + Build up on this appearance, and rejoice + In all its senses, whilst it radiates + The joy of wisdom, all around, that lives + In its own self and loves to feel alive. + But, more than any other spirit, man + Requires a God who doth not only ask + For admiration when his outward form + Reveals itself in glory to the soul, + But One who radiates His highest power + When He Himself doth dwell within man's soul, + And loving unto death foretelleth life. + A man may turn to Lucifer and feel + Inspired by beauty, or some splendour bright: + And yet so live his life within himself + That Lucifer can ne'er find entrance there; + But to that other Spirit man doth cry, + When he can fathom his own self aright: + 'The goal of love for earthly souls--'tis this + Not I, but Christ, doth live within me now.' + +BENEDICTUS (turning to Maria): + + And when her soul shall to her spirit bow + As she hath vowed to Lucifer, it shall, + Then through her power on to the temple stream + With all that leads unto the health of Earth. + And Christ will kindle in the hallowed place + Of wisdom warming rays of spirit-love. + 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 Earth. + In some long-past existence, it was she + Who caused the son to leave his father's home; + And now she leads the son to him again. + The soul, which in Thomasius now dwells + In former life was to that one which now + Fulfils itself within Capesius, + As son to father bound by ties of blood. + The father will not now through Lucifer + Demand the debt Maria owes to him, + For by Christ's power, the debt hath been annulled. + +MAGNUS BELLICOSUS (speaking to Hilary and Benedictus, but frequently +turning to Felix Balde and Dame Balde): + + Within the holy place doth shine the light + Which flows with power from out the spirit-heights, + When souls can worthily receive its strength. + But yet those lofty powers of wisdom's realm + Which thus reveal themselves in mystic shrines + Have chosen also other paths to souls. + The signs of our own times have made it clear + That all these paths must now be joined in one. + The temple must unite itself with souls + Who have reached spirit-light in other ways + And yet have been enlightened in good truth. + Now Dame Felicia and her husband too, + Are such as may approach this sacred place + And who can bring to it a wealth of light. + +DAME BALDE: + + 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 me. + In all humility I must believe, + What he hath told me of my gift of soul; + So also I believe what ye make clear + Why I am called within these temple walls. + +FELIX BALDE: + + I followed not alone the outward call + Sent to me by the guardian of this shrine; + But true unto my spirit-pathway's goal + I have applied myself unto the power + Which, as mine inmost guide, 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 foreordained. + This time I saw quite clearly I was meant + To shun that way which Benedictus now + Hath shown his pupils in the spirit-life. + The signs that now I see within this shrine + Appeared to me in vision previously. + For often when my soul did tread the depths + And all self-will had been destroyed in me, + And power and patience could maintain themselves + In that dread loneliness which aye approached + Before I could experience spirit-light, + Then all the universe seemed one with me, + And soon I found myself within that world, + Where life's true purpose was revealed to me. + During such spirit-wand'rings I have been + In many a temple which it seems to me + Resembles that which now my sense perceives, + Just as the writing of the spoken word + Must show a written picture of the speech. + +TRUSTWORTHY (in the West, to Strader): + + Dear Strader, it is now thy destiny + To speak that word henceforth within the shrine + Which will agree with all Thomasius + Makes known to us, as sunset must agree + With that hope-giving glow of morning light. + This word, in its full sense doth seize upon + The working of that Power who showed himself + To thee, when thou wert standing on thy trial. + Thou hadst to stand within that spirit-place + Where thought is strictly ordered to stand still. + For if thine hand should wield a hammer now + And only strike the air, it could not know + The power it hath, unless the blow should reach + Some anvil; even so it is with thought. + It ne'er could really fathom its own depth + If Ahriman were not opposed to it. + All thought within thy life hath led thee on + To contradict thyself and this hath caused + Within thy soul both pain and heavy doubt. + Thus didst thou learn to know thyself through thought; + As light can only gaze upon itself, + But through reflection that its rays cast forth; + The words of him who serves the temple here + Thus, in a picture, life's reflection show. + +STRADER: + + In truth the light of thought for long time streamed + But through reflection into mine own life; + Yet for full seven years the spirit showed + Itself to me in its bright splendour too, + And did reveal those worlds unto my soul, + In front of which my soul had formerly + Stood ever still in torment and in doubt. + Within my soul this light must grow so deep + That it shall last through all eternity, + If I would find the path to spirit-aims + And make my own creations bring forth health. + +THEODORA (becoming visible, as a spirit-being, at Strader's side): + + I was allowed to win this light for you, + Because thy power did strive toward my light, + As soon as thy right time had been fulfilled. + +STRADER: + + So too thy light, thou spirit-messenger, + Will stream o'er all the words that in this place + Shall be wrung forth from out mine inmost soul. + For Theodora's self is now with mine + To holy mystic service consecrate. + +(Philia, Astrid, Luna, and the Other Philia appear in a glowing cloud +of light.) + +THE OTHER PHILIA: + + To Earth's primeval source + Mount thoughts of sacrifice + From many a holy shrine; + Let all that lives in souls, + Let all that spirit lights + Soar to the world of form; + Let cosmic-powers incline + With graciousness to men, + To kindle spirit-light + Within their powers of soul. + +PHILIA: + + From cosmic spirits I + Will beg their being's light, + The soul-sense to uphold; + The sound too of their words, + To loose the spirit-ear, + That what hath been aroused + Upon the paths of soul + May not become extinct + In lives of men on Earth. + +ASTRID: + + The love-streams will I guide + That fill the world with warmth + Unto the spirits of + Initiated men, + That thus the sacred rite + May be preserved and kept + Within the hearts of men. + +LUNA: + + From primal powers will I + For might and courage pray, + For these will help to make + Self-sacrifice to grow, + So that it may transform + What now is seen in time + And change to spirit-seeds + For all eternity. + +Curtain falls while all the characters, including Theodora, Philia, +Astrid, Luna, and the Other Philia are still inside the Temple. + + + + + + + + + +THE SOUL'S AWAKENING + + +SUMMARY OF THE SCENES + + +Scene 1: Hilary's business is threatened with disaster because of +his attempt to introduce into it his spiritual ideals and occult +methods. He has engaged as controller of his machinery, Strader, +who is generally known to be a failure because of his unpractical +inventions. With him comes a group of similar "cranks." Hilary's old +manager is in despair. + +Scene 2: Johannes is a prey to delusion and loves to wander in his +own dreamland. He is warned by Maria and Benedictus. Capesius, in a +moment of clairvoyance gets a glimpse of Johannes' inner mood, and is +so alarmed that he decides that there can be no blending of spiritual +gifts with earthly things, and he withdraws from Hilary's group and +goes to the old mystic Felix. Maria urges Johannes to discriminate +between truth end self-delusion which can be done by the study of +elemental sprites. + +The dance of gnomes and sylphs. + +The youth of Johannes appears. It is in despair because it is separated +from Johannes. Lucifer tries to console it with promises of human +wisdom and love of beauty. Theodora offers divine wisdom. + +Scene 3: Arguments on various phases of occult development. During +the discussion, Ahriman glides stealthily across the stage to bring +dissension and confusion of thought among the speakers, who are +ignorant of his presence. + +Strader's temptations. + +Felix speaks on mysticism. + +The appearance in spirit form of Maria and Benedictus to help Strader, +and of Ahriman to thwart him. There is a repetition of Strader's part +in Scene II. + +Scene 4: Similar discussions between Hilary's manager and +Romanus. Ahriman had succeeded in separating the various mystics. + +During the discussion, Romanus, by his arguments on occultism, makes +a great impression upon the manager. + +Johannes and his double. + +Ahriman scoffs at the Guardian of the Threshold. Strader with +Benedictus. The vision of the latter is troubled; he--the occult +leader--is mistaken. + +Scene 5: The Spirit World. + +This scene needs careful meditation and some knowledge of the author's +system. Attention should be given to the indications of the planetary +spheres--Mercury, Venus, Sun, Jupiter, and Saturn--to which in turn +we expand after death. Heed should be paid to the warning given by +the Guardian of the Threshold. + +Lucifer here appears as a beneficent guide, so, too, the other Philia. + +Scene 6: The Spirit World. The same remarks apply. Capesius is struck +by the figures of his previous incarnations, as shown in the former +plays. The Guardian of the Threshold will allow an even earlier +incarnation to appear. + +(Scenes 7 and 8: The earlier incarnations in Egypt giving the key +to the four plays, and showing the origin of development of the +different characters.) + +Scene 7: Shows in a remarkable way how the future development of the +Baldes and Capesius is going to proceed. 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 priest. + +Scene 8: Drop scene. Egyptian woman (otherwise Johannes Thomasius) +is in love with a man who is a neophyte or candidate for mysticism and +about to retire from the world. This mystic is known to us otherwise +as Maria. + +Scene 8: About 2000 B.C. The hierophant (Capesius) has refused to +use his thought power to suggest to the candidate what his vision +should be. The candidate has a free vision looking far into the +future. A breath of love and freedom is wafted into the closely sealed +precincts. 'The truth shall make thee free.' But with this rebellion +against the old order, there is a consequence. Lucifer and Ahriman +hitherto chained within the temple break their chains and begin to +work their will. The ancient temple has been invaded, but the Ego +begins to wake. The reader will not overlook, in all this cosmic +development, the individual development of the different characters +which are difficult to understand from the other plays without this +glimpse into their previous incarnation. The author has presented it +in this order, because it corresponds to the reader's own experience. + +Scene 9: Maria's awakening. The reminiscence in waking of what has +happened in a psychic condition. + +Scene 10: Johannes' awakening. The quotations refer to Scenes 7 and 8. + +Scene 11: Strader's awakening. Benedictus' vision is again clouded. The +reason here is probably Strader's approaching death. The quotations +refer to Scene 3. + +Scene 12: Ahriman's manner, shape, and speech betray the fact that +he is being found out by the followers of Benedictus. Ahriman hopes, +however, to catch Strader. Note the satire indulged in at the expense +of those occultists, theosophists, and others whose air of superiority +makes them a laughing stock. + +Note also the last line showing the importance of remembering the dead. + +Scene 13: Hilary and Romanus. + +Scene 14: Strader's death is announced and Hilary's manager is +converted. + +Scene 15: Secretary and Nurse. + +The Secretary's speech. + +Ahriman's shape is here even more that of the conventional devil +than in Scene 12. This is to show that his true nature is now fully +grasped by Benedictus and his followers. This is seen in Ahriman's +last speech. Note Benedictus' speech about the dead and their messages. + +Benedictus tells Ahriman that one can only serve Good when one does +good not for oneself. + +The triumph and initiation of Strader and his future power. + +The defeat and exit of Ahriman. + + + + + + +PERSONS, FIGURES, AND EVENTS + + +The psychic and spiritual events portrayed in this play are to be +conceived as following, at about a year's interval, those delineated in +'The Guardian of the Threshold.' + +I. Representatives of the Element of Spirit: + +1. Benedictus, the personality in whom a number of his 'pupils' + recognize the sage who knows the deep spiritual connection of earthly + events. In my earlier soul pictures 'The Portal of Initiation' and + 'The Soul's Probation,' he is portrayed as the Hierophant of the + Sun-Temple; 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 Brotherhood. 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 experiences. +2. Hilary True-to-God, the adept in traditional spiritual life, + which, in his case, is accompanied by individual spirit-experience. + He is the same individuality who appears in 'The Soul's Probation' + as Grand Master of a Mystic Brotherhood. +3. The Manager of Hilary's business of sawmills. +4. Hilary's Secretary. He appears in 'The Guardian of the Threshold' + as Frederick Clear-Mind. + +II. Representatives of the Element of Sacrifice: + +1. Magnus Bellicosus named Germanus in 'The Portal of Initiation.' In + 'The Soul's Probation' and in the 'Guardian of the Threshold' he is + the Preceptor of a Mystic Brotherhood. +2. Albertus Torquatus named 'Theodosius' in 'The Portal of + Initiation.' He appears in the 'Soul's Probation' as the First Master + of Ceremonies of the Mystic Brotherhood. +3. Professor Capesius appearing in 'The Soul's Probation' as First + Preceptor. +4. Felix Balde, representing in 'The Portal of Initiation' a kind of + natural mysticism, but here, a subjective mysticism. He appears as + Joseph Keane in 'The Soul's Probation.' + +III. Representatives of the Element of Will: + +1. 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 'Awakening.' 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 world, and the name is used there because his inner life + has very little to do with the events represented. In 'The Soul's + Probation' he appears as Second Master of Ceremonies in the mediæval + Mystic Brotherhood. +2. Doctor Strader the individual appearing in 'The Soul's Probation' + as the Jew, Simon. +3. The Nurse of Doctor Strader the individual called Mary Steadfast + in 'The Guardian of the Threshold.' In 'The Portal of Initiation' + she is known as 'The Other Maria' because the imaginative perception + of Johannes Thomasius constructs, under her guise, an imaginative + picture of certain nature-forces. Her individuality appears in 'The + Soul's Probation' as Bertha, Keane's daughter. +4. Dame Balde who appears in 'The Soul's Probation' as Dame Keane. + +IV. Representatives of the Element of Soul: + +1. Maria whose individuality appears in 'The Soul's Probation' as + the Monk. +2. Johannes Thomasius whose individuality appears in 'The Soul's + Probation' as Thomas. +3. Hilary's wife. + +V. Beings from the Spirit World: + + 1. Lucifer. + 2. Ahriman. + 3. Gnomes. + 4. Sylphs. + +VI. Beings of the Element of Human Spirit: + + 1. Philia } The spiritual beings through whose agency the + 2. Astrid } human Soul-forces are connected with the Cosmos. + 3. Luna } + 4. The 'Other' Philia, representing the element of Love in the + world to which the spirit-personality belongs. + 5. The Soul of Theodora appearing in 'The Soul's Probation' + as Cecilia, foster daughter of Keane and sister of Thomas who + impersonates Johannes Thomasius. + 6. The Guardian of the Threshold. + 7. The Double of Johannes Thomasius. + 8. The Spirit of Johannes Thomasius' Youth. + 9. The Soul of Ferdinand Fox in the realm of Ahriman (Scene 12). He + appears as Ferdinand Fox only in 'The Guardian of the Threshold.' + +VII. The personalities of Benedictus and Maria also appear as +mental experiences, to wit: In the second scene as those of Johannes +Thomasius, in the third scene as those of Strader. Maria appears thus +to Johannes Thomasius in Scene 9. + +VIII. The individualities of Benedictus, Hilary True-to-God, Magnus +Bellicosus, Albertus Torquatus, Strader, Capesius, Felix Balde, Dame +Balde, Romanus, Maria, Johannes Thomasius and Theodora appear in the +spirit-realm in the fifth and sixth scenes of this play, as 'souls'; +and in the temple in the seventh and eighth scenes as personalities +living in a far distant past. + +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-pictures. Neither the spiritual nor the psychic events nor the +spiritual beings are intended to be mere symbols or allegories. Anyone +interpreting them in this manner would quite misconceive the real being +of the spiritual world. Even in the mental experiences which are shown +(in the second, third, and tenth scenes) nothing merely symbolical +is portrayed. They are genuine psychic experiences, as real for a +person who has access to the spirit world as are persons and events +in the world of the senses. Such a person will find 'The Awakening' a +thoroughly realistic soul-picture. Were the case one of mere symbolism +or allegory, I should certainly have left these scenes unwritten. + +In response to various questions, I had once more attempted to add a +few 'supplementary remarks' in explanation of this 'soul-picture;' +but as on former occasions, I again suppress the attempt. I feel +averse to adding material of this kind to a picture intended to +speak for itself. Such abstract considerations have no part to play +in the conception and working-out of the picture, and would only +be a discordant element. The spiritual realities, here set forth, +present themselves to the soul as convincingly as physical things +present themselves to our bodily perception. Yet, as is natural, +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 events. On the other +hand, 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 pictures. + + + + + + + + + +THE SOUL'S AWAKENING + + +SCENE 1 + +Hilary's office. Fittings not very modern. He is a manufacturer of +sawn woodwork. + +SECRETARY: + + And e'en our good friends in St. Georgestown + Declare that they too are dissatisfied. + +MANAGER: + + What? even they; it is deplorable. + The self-same reasons too; 'tis plain to see + With what regret and pain our friends announce + That they can deal no more with Hilary. + +SECRETARY: + + Complaints of our unpunctuality + And of the value of our goods compared + With those produced by our competitors + Reach us by post; and on my business trips + Our clients meet me with the same old tale. + The good name of this house is vanishing, + By Hilary's forefathers handed down + To us intact that we might heighten it. + And men begin to think that Hilary + Is swayed by dreamers and strange fantasies, + And, thus obsessed, no longer can bestow + The earnest care which he was wont to give + To all the operations of the firm, + Whose products were world-famous and unique. + So many as were our admirers then + So great is now the tale of those who blame. + +MANAGER: + + It is notorious that Hilary + Long since hath let himself be led astray + By seekers after some strange spirit gifts. + To such pursuits he ever was inclined; + But formerly he kept them separate + From business and its workaday routine. + +(Enter Hilary.) + +MANAGER (to the Secretary): + + It seems advisable to me to speak + Alone with our employer for a while. + +(Exit Secretary.) + +MANAGER: + + Anxiety it is that bids me seek + An interview and earnest speech with thee. + +HILARY: + + Why then does my adviser feel concerned? + +MANAGER: + + Things happen constantly which bring to light + A serious diminution in demand + For what we manufacture; nor do we + Produce as large an output as we should. + There is besides an increase of complaints + About the lower standard of our work, + And other houses step in front of us. + So too our well-known promptness hath declined + As many clients truthfully attest. + Ere long the best friends that remain to us + No more will be content with Hilary. + +HILARY: + + Long have I been full well aware of this + And yet indeed it leaves me unconcerned. + But none the less I feel an urgent need + To talk things over with thee; thou hast helped + Not only as the servant of my house, + But also as my dear and trusted friend. + And so I shall speak plainly to thee now + Of matters which I oft have hinted at. + Whoever wills to bring the new things in + Must be content to let the old things die. + Henceforth the business will be carried on + In different ways from those it knew before. + Production, 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 find, + Doth seem so trivial and of little worth, + Since I have come to know the noble form + Work can assume when shaped by spirit-men. + From this time forth Thomasius shall be + Directing artist in the workshops here, + Which I shall build for him close to our works. + 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 combined, + Art and production shall become one whole + And daily life by taste be beautified. + So will I add to these dead forms of sense, + For thus do I regard our output now, + A soul, whereby they may be justified. + +MANAGER (after long reflection): + + The plan to fabricate such wonder-wares + Suits not the spirit of our present age. + The aim of all production now must be + Complete perfection in some narrow groove. + The powers which work impersonally, and pour + The part into the whole in active streams, + Confer unthinkingly upon each link + A worth that is by wisdom not bestowed. + And were this obstacle not in thy path + Yet would thy purpose none the less be vain. + That thou shouldst find a man to realize + The plan thou hast so charmingly conceived + Passeth belief, at least it passeth mine. + +HILARY: + + Thou knowest, friend, I do not dream vain dreams. + How should I aim at such a lofty goal + Had not kind fate already brought to me + The man to realize what I propose? + I am amazed that thine eyes cannot see + That Strader is, in fact, this very man. + And one who, knowing this man's inner self, + And his own duty to humanity, + Conceives one of his duties to be this; + To find a field of work for such a man, + A dreamer is no proper name for him. + +MANAGER (after manifesting some surprise): + + Am I to look on Strader as this man? + In his case hath it not been manifest + How easily deluded mortals are + Who lack the power to know realities? + That his contrivance owes to spirit-light + Its origin doth not admit of doubt. + And if it can sometime be perfected + Those benefits will doubtless pour therefrom + Which Strader thought he had already won. + But a mere model it will long remain + Seeing those forces are still undisclosed + Whose power alone will give reality. + 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 machine. + 'Tis true it led his spirit up to heights + Which ever will entice the souls of men, + But which will only then be scaled by him + When he hath made the rightful powers his own. + +HILARY: + + 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 great. + The fault, thou sayest, did not lie in him, + That failure rather than success was his. + Among us therefore he will surely find + His proper place; for here there will not be + External hindrances to thwart his plans. + +MANAGER: + + And if, despite what I have just now said, + I were to strive within myself and try + To tune my reason to thy mode of thought, + Still one more point compels me to object. + Who will in future value this thy work? + Or show such comprehension of thine aims + As to make use of what thou mayst have made? + Thy property will all be swallowed up + Before thy business hath been well begun, + And then it can no more be carried on. + +HILARY: + + I willingly admit my plans would show + Themselves imperfect, if amongst mankind + True comprehension were not first aroused + For this new kind and style of handicraft. + What Strader and Thomasius create + Must be perfected in the Sanctuary + Which I shall build for spirit knowledge here. + What Benedictus, 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 light. + +MANAGER: + + And so thou wouldst endow a little clique + To live self-centred, from the world apart, + And shut thyself from all true human life. + Thou fain wouldst banish selfishness on earth + Yet wilt thou cherish it in thy retreat. + +HILARY: + + A dreamer, it would seem, thou thinkest me, + Who thoughtlessly denies experience + That life hath brought him. Thus should I appear + Unto myself if, for one moment's space, + I held this view thou hast about success. + The cause that I hold dear may fail indeed, + Yet even if, despised by all mankind + It crumbles into dust and disappears, + Yet was it once conceived by human souls + And set up as a pattern on this earth. + In spirit it will work its way in life + Although it stay not in the world of sense. + 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 aims; + This in the spirit-wisdom is foretold. + +MANAGER: + + I am thy servant and have had my say + As duty and conviction bade me speak; + Yet now the attitude thou hast assumed + Gives me the right to speak as friend to friend. + 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-sacrifice; + My only guides have been the written words + Wherein the spirit-wisdom is revealed.-- + And though the worlds are hidden from my gaze + To which those writings had directed me, + Yet in imagination I can feel + The mental state of men whose simple trust + Leads them to seek such spirit-verities. + I have found confirmation in myself + Of what the experts in this love describe, + As being the possession of such souls + As feel themselves at home in spirit realms. + The all-important thing, it seems to me, + Is that such souls, despite their utmost care, + Cannot divide illusions from the Truth + When they come down from out the spirit heights + As come they must, back into earthly life. + Then from the spirit world, so newly won, + Visions descend upon them which prevent + Their seeing clearly in the world of sense, + And, thus misled, their judgment goes astray + In things pertaining to this life on earth. + +HILARY: + + What thou wouldst raise as hindrance to my work + Doth but confirm my purpose; thou hast proved + That in thyself I now have one friend more + To stand beside me in my search for truth. + 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 task? + Thou know'st the perils ever threat'ning them. + So will their actions make it clear to thee + That they know paths where they are kept from harm. + Soon thou wilt doubtless know that this is so, + And I shall find henceforth as in the past + In thee a counsellor, who doth not fail. + +MANAGER: + + I cannot lend my strength to fashion deeds + Whose processes I do not understand. + Those men in whom thou trusted seem to me + Misled by the illusion I have named: + And others too, who listen to their words, + Will victims to that same illusion fall + Which doth o'erpower all thought that knows its goal. + My help and counsel evermore shall be + Thine to command as long as thou dost need + Acts based upon experience on earth; + But this new work of thine is not for me. + +HILARY: + + By thy refusal thou dost jeopardize + A work designed to further spirit-aims. + For I am hampered lacking thine advice. + Consider how imperious is the call + Of duty when fate designs to make a sign, + And such a sign I cannot but behold + In these men being here at our behest. + +MANAGER: + + The longer thou dost speak in such a strain + More clearly dost thou prove thyself to me, + The unconscious victim of illusion's spell. + Thy purpose is to serve humanity, + But in reality thou wilt but serve + The group which, backed by thee, will have the means + To carry on awhile its spirit-dream. + Soon shall we here behold activities + Ordained no doubt by spirit for these souls, + But which will prove a mirage to ourselves + And must destroy the harvest of our work. + +HILARY: + + If thou wilt not befriend me with thine aid + Drear doth the future stretch before my soul. + +(Enter Strader, left.) + +HILARY: + + Dear Strader, I have long expected thee. + As things are now it seems advisable + To spend the present time in serious talk + And later on, decide what we shall do. + My dear old friend hath just confessed to me + That he can not approve what we have planned. + So let us now hear counsel from the man + Who promises his spirit to our work. + Much now depends upon how at this time + Men recognize each other in their souls, + Who each to each seem like a separate world + And yet united could accomplish much. + +STRADER: + + And so the loyal friend of Hilary + Will not join with us in the hopeful work + Which our friend's wisdom hath made possible? + Yet can our plan alone be carried out + If his proved skill in life be wisely joined + In compact with the aims of future days. + +MANAGER: + + Not only will I hold aloof myself, + But I would also make clear to my friend, + That this design hath neither aim nor sense. + +STRADER: + + I do not wonder thou should'st hold that view + Of any plan in which I am concerned. + I saw a great inception come to grief + Because today the forces still are hid + Which turn clear thought to sense reality. + 'Tis known I drew from spirit-light the thought, + Which, though proved true, yet had no life on earth. + This fact doth witness 'gainst my power to judge + And also kills belief that spirit hides + The source of true creation on the earth. + + And 'twill be very difficult to prove + That such experience hath giv'n me power + Not to fall victim for the second time. + For I must needs fall into error once + That I may safely reach the land of truth. + + Yet 'tis but natural men should doubt my word. + Thy spirit outlook most especially + Must find our wisdom promise little gain. + + I hear thee praised for that keen sympathy + Which goes out from thee to all spirit-life, + And for the time and strength thou givest it. + But it is also said that thou wouldst keep + Thy work on earth severely separate + From spirit-striving, which with its own powers + Would work creatively in thy soul-life. + To this pursuit thou wouldst devote alone + Those hours which earthly labour doth not claim. + The aim, however, of the spirit-tide + Where I see clear life's evolution writ, + Is to join spirit-work for spirit-ends + To earthly labours in the world of sense. + +MANAGER: + + So long as spirit but to spirit gives + All it can do in free creative might, + It raiseth souls in human dignity + And gives them reason in their life on earth. + 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 truth. + This knowledge unto which I have attained + By personal effort in the spirit-world + Doth make me act as I do act today; + It is not personal preference, as thou, + Misled by what is said of me, wouldst think. + +STRADER: + + An error 'tis in spirit-knowledge then + That makes thee hostile to the views I hold. + Through this will difficulties multiply. + 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 means. + But when ideas which claim that they do spring + From spirit sources join reluctantly + With others flowing from the self-same source, + One can but seldom hope for harmony. + +(After a period of quiet meditation.) + + Yet that which must will surely come to pass. + Renewed examination of my plans ... + Perhaps may make thee change the views, to which + On first consideration thou dost cling. + +Curtain whilst all three are sunk in reflection. + + + + + + +SCENE 2 + + +Mountainous country; in the distance, Hilary's house, which is in +the vicinity of the workshops, which are not seen. Hilary's house +has no upper floor; no corners or angles, and is crescent shaped. A +waterfall on the left of the stage, facing audience. A rivulet runs +from the waterfall between little rocks across the stage. + +Johannes is seen sitting on a rock to right. Capesius left. + +JOHANNES: + + The towering masses with their silent life + Brim up the air with riddles manifold; + 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 clear. + See how these colours play among these cliffs, + How calmly dumb the bare expanses lie, + How twilight clothes the woods in green and blue; + This is the world in which Johannes' soul + Will rest and weave tomorrow's fantasies. + + Johannes' soul shall feel within itself + The depths and distances of this its world; + 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 art. + Yet could Johannes ne'er accomplish this + Did not Maria through her love awake + With gentle soul-warmth forces in his soul. + I must acknowledge fate's wise leadership + In drawing me so closely unto her. + How short a time it is since I have known + That she is by my side; how closely knit + Hath been in these few weeks Johannes' soul + Into a living unity with hers. + As spirit she lives in me though far off; + She thinks within my thought when I call up + Before my soul the objects of my will. + +(Maria appears as a thought of Johannes.) + +JOHANNES (continuing): + + Maria here before me! but how strange! + She must not thus reveal herself to me! + This stern cold spirit-face, this dignity + That chills my earthly feelings--'tis not thus + Johannes will or can Maria see + Draw nigh to him. 'Tis not Maria--this-- + Whom by kind fate's decree wise powers have sent. + +(Maria disappears from Johannes' vision.) + + Where is Maria whom Johannes loved + Before she had transformed his soul in him + And led it up to ice-cold spirit-heights? + And where Johannes, whom Maria loved, + Where is he now?--He was at hand e'en now. + I see no more Johannes, who didst give + Me back unto myself with joy. The past + Cannot and shall not rob me of him thus. + +(Maria again appears before Johannes' vision.) + +MARIA: + + Maria as thou fain wouldst her behold + Lives not in worlds where shines the light of truth. + Johannes' spirit treads illusion's realm + By fantasy misled; set thyself free + From strong desire and its alluring power. + I feel in me the turmoil of thy soul; + It robs me of the calmness that I need. + 'Tis not Johannes who directs the storm + Into my soul; it is some other man, + O'er whom he was victorious in the past. + Now as a wraith it roams the spirit-plains;-- + Once known for such it straight will fade away. + +JOHANNES: + + That is Maria as she really is, + Who of Johannes speaks as he appears + To his own vision at the present time. + 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 ease. + But not yet doth this being hold me fast. + 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 him. + Long years ago he flooded my soul's depths + With spirit being; none the less today + No more do I desire to harbour him. + + Thou stranger being in Johannes' soul + Forsake me--give me back my pristine self + Before thou didst commence thy work in me. + I would behold Johannes free of thee. + +(Benedictus appears at Maria's side, equally as a thought of Johannes.) + +BENEDICTUS: + + Johannes, heed the warning of thy soul; + The man who, flooding thee with spirit, rose + To be thy nature's primal energy, + Must at thy side still hold his faithful sway + And claim that thou transform his being's powers + Through thy will into human deeds. He must, + Himself concealed, work out his task in thee; + That thou some day mayst reach what thou dost know + To be thy being's distant future goal. + Thy personal sorrow thou must bear through life + Fast locked within the chamber of thy soul. + So only shalt thou win thyself, if thou + Dost bravely let him own thee more and more. + +MARIA (seen as a thought of Johannes): + + My holy earnest vow doth beam forth power + Which shall preserve for thee what thou hast won. + Me shalt thou find in those cold fields of ice, + Where spirits must create light for themselves. + When darkness wounds and maims the powers of life + Seek me within those cosmic depths where souls + Wrestle to win God-knowledge for themselves. + By conquest that wins being from the void; + But never seek me in the realm of shades, + Where outlived soul-experience wins by guile + A transient life from out illusion's web, + And dream's frail phantoms can the spirit cheat; + So that in pleasure it forgets itself + And looks on serious effort with distaste. + +(Benedictus and Maria disappear.) + +JOHANNES: + + She saith illusion ... + ... yet 'tis passing fair. + It lives; Johannes feels it in himself, + He feels Maria's nearness in him too. + Johannes will not know how spirit works + To solve the riddles of the soul's dark depths. + He will create and will as artists work. + So may that part of him still lie concealed, + Which consciously would gaze on cosmic heights. + +(He sinks into further meditation.) + +(Capesius rises from his seat; as it were arousing himself out of +deep thought.) + +CAPESIUS: + + Did I not clearly feel within my soul + That which Johannes, dreaming over there, + Wrought as the pictures of his longing heart? + Within me glowed to life thoughts not mine own-- + Such as he only could originate. + The being of his soul lived in mine own, + I saw him younger grown, as he beheld + Himself through vain illusion, and did mock + The ripe fruits that his spirit had achieved. + + But hold! Why do I now experience this? + For seldom may the spirit-searcher see + The being in himself of other souls. + + I mind, that Benedictus often said + That only he--and only for a while-- + Can do this, whose good destiny ordains + That he shall be upraised one further step + Upon the spirit path. May I thus read + The meaning of what happened even now? + Seldom indeed could this thing be allowed; + For 'twould be terrible if aye the seer + Could see the inner being of men's souls. + + Did I see truly?--or could it have been + Illusion let me dream another's soul? + I must enquire from Johannes himself. + +(Capesius approaches Johannes, who now notices him for the first time.) + +JOHANNES: + + Capesius--I thought thee far from here. + +CAPESIUS: + + Yet my soul felt itself quite near to thine. + +JOHANNES: + + Near mine--at such a time--it cannot be! + +CAPESIUS: + + Why dost thou shudder at these words of mine? + +JOHANNES: + + I do not shudder ... + +(At this moment Maria joins them; this enables both Johannes and +Capesius to speak their next words to themselves.) + +(To himself): + + ... how his steady glance + Doth pierce me to mine inmost depths of soul. + +CAPESIUS (to himself): + + His shudder shows me that I saw aright. + +(Capesius turns to Maria.) + + Maria, thou dost come in fitting time. + Perhaps thy tongue may speak some word of cheer. + To solve the problem which oppresseth me. + +MARIA: + + I thought to find Johannes here, not thee. + Foreboding bade me seek the problem's weight + In him--but thou, I fancied, wast content, + Devoted to that glorious enterprise + Which we are offered here by Hilary. + +CAPESIUS: + + What care I for it? It disturbs me now-- + +MARIA: + + Disturbs thee? Didst thou not express delight + To think thy projects might be realized? + +CAPESIUS: + + What I have lived through in this fateful hour + Hath changed the former purpose of my soul, + Since all activity in work on earth + Must rob me of my new clairvoyant powers. + +MARIA: + + Whoe'er is suffered to tread spirit-ways + Finds many a hint to shape his destiny. + On soul paths he will try to follow them, + Yet they have not been rightly understood + If they disturb his duties on the earth. + +(Capesius sits, and is plunged in thought while the vision of Lucifer +appears to Maria.) + +LUCIFER: + + Thine effort will not bring thee much reward. + New force begins to stir within his heart + That opes the portal of his soul to me. + Maria, gaze with thy clairvoyant sight + Upon his inmost soul; and there behold + How he doth free himself on spirit-wings + From thy warm loving bonds of work on earth. + +(Lucifer remains on the scene.) + +(Maria turns towards Capesius to rouse him from his meditation, +but at the same moment he seems to rouse himself of his own accord.) + +MARIA: + + If on the spirit-path Johannes felt + The nature of his duties hinder him, + 'Twould not be right, though so it might appear. + He needs must work upon the outer plane. + Thy task is to expound the spirit-lore + To other men and such a task as this + Cannot impede the progress of thy soul. + +CAPESIUS: + + Far more than when they work on outer things + Do spirit forces lose themselves in words. + Words make one reason o'er what one has seen, + And reason is a foe to seership's power. + I had a spirit-vision even now + Which only could disclose itself to me + Because the soul which was revealed to me, + Although our earthly bodies are close friends, + Had never been by me quite understood + If I saw truly, I am no more bound + By any ties unto this work of earth. + For I must feel persuaded that high Powers + Now set another goal before my soul + Than that prescribed for it by Hilary. + +(He places himself in front of Johannes.) + +CAPESIUS: + + Johannes, tell me truly, didst thou not + A while ago feel old, outlived desires + That lived within thee like thy present self, + While thou wast lost in meditation deep? + +JOHANNES: + + Can then my spirit's struggle work to form + Experience within another's soul? + And can such vision make mine error strong + To find its way to life in cosmic space? + +(Johannes again falls into meditation.) + +(Maria turns her face towards Lucifer and hears him say:) + +LUCIFER: + + Here too I find the soul's gate open wide. + I'll not delay but use this chance at once. + If also in this soul a spirit-wish + Is born, that work of love must come to naught + Which doth bode ill to me through Hilary. + I can destroy Maria's might in him: + And thus can add her power unto mine own. + +(Capesius at this moment straightens up self-consciously, and, during +the following speech, shows an increasingly definite conviction.) + +CAPESIUS: + + My doubts dissolve--that which I saw was true; + I was allowed to see Johannes' life. + 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 solitude. + Co-operation is but meant for those + Who comprehend each others' hopes and aims. + A soul which sets humanity aside + Attains the wide bounds of the worlds of light. + A pattern in old Felix can I find, + He seeks on paths that none but he may know + In proud seclusion for the spirit-light. + He sought and found because he kept himself + From ever grasping things by reason's strength. + In his track will I follow, and thy work, + Which hampers seership's power with earthly things, + Shall no more lead Capesius astray. + +(Exit.) + +MARIA: + + So 'tis with man, what time his better self + Sinks into spirit-sleep and strong desire + Is all his being's food; until again + True spirit-nature wakes in glowing light. + Such is the sleep all human beings sleep + Before clairvoyant powers have wakened them. + They know not they are sleeping, though awake; + They seem awake, because they ever sleep. + The seer doth sleep, when to this waking state + He struggles forth from out his real self. + Capesius will now withdraw from us. + It is no transient whim; his mental life + Draws him away from us and from our plans. + It is not he that turns himself from us. + The dread decree of fate is plainly seen. + And so we who are left must consecrate + Our powers with more devotion to our work. + +JOHANNES: + + Maria, do not of Johannes ask + That for new aims at such a time as this + He should gird up his soul, which like all souls + Needs spirit-sleep in which it may mature + The forces which are germinating there. + 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 now. + Think how I drove away Capesius ... + Were I ripe for this work--he would be, too. + +MARIA: + + Capesius away? Dost thou not--dream? + +JOHANNES: + + I dreamed while conscious ... yea, I woke in dreams. + What would seem fantasy to cosmic powers + To me proved symbol that I was mature. + Right well I know my wish was my true self; + My thinking only was another self. + And so Johannes stood before my soul + As once he was, ere spirit seized on him + And filled his being with a second self. + Johannes is not dead;... a living wish + Createth him companion of my soul. + I may have stunned him, but not overthrown. + A living man, he claims his natural rights + Whene'er that other self must sink to sleep. + And to wake--always that--exceeds its powers. + Asleep it was throughout that time in which + Capesius could live within himself. + How my first nature tore me from myself. + My dreams did seem to him the sign of fate; + And so in me and not in him doth work + The power which drove him forth, and which forbids + Our spirit to be turned to work on earth. + +MARIA: + + The spirit-powers are coming--call on them. + 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 theirs. + Their magic words will show thine inward sight + That which makes them and thee a unity. + Cast out thine own brain's interfering speech, + That spirit may speak in thee as it wills; + And to this spirit-speech give thou due heed. + 'Twill carry thee beyond the spheres of light + And link thee to true spirit-essence there. + Thy misty visions sprung from times long past + Will then grow sharp and clear in cosmic light, + But will not bind thee since thou hast control. + Compare them with these elemental forms, + With shadows and with phantoms of all kinds, + And place them near to demons manifold + And so discover what they really are. + But in the realm of spirits root thyself + Who primal source to primal source do bind, + Who dwell close linked with dormant cosmic powers + And order the processions of the spheres. + This view of cosmic things will give thee strength, + Amid the surging sea of spirit-life, + To blend thyself and inmost soul in one. + + The spirit bids me tell thee this myself; + But now give ear to what thou knowest well + Though 'tis not wedded yet to thy soul-depths. + +JOHANNES (still sitting on a rock to right of stage. He collects +himself for a determined effort): + + I will give ear--I will defy myself. + +(From both sides advance elemental spirits. From the right of stage +creatures like gnomes. They have steel-blue-grey bodies, small as +compared with men; they are nearly all head, but it is bent forward and +downward, and is lilac and purple in color, with tendrils and gills +of various shades of the same hue. Their limbs are long and mobile, +suitable for gesticulation, but ill-adapted for walking. From the +left of stage come sylph-like figures, slender and almost headless; +their feet and hands are partly fins and partly wings. Some of them +are bluish-green, others yellowish-red. The yellowish-red ones are +distinguished by sharper outlines than the bluish green ones. The +words spoken by these figures are accompanied by expressive gestures +developing into a dance.) + +CHORUS OF THE GNOMES (dancing, hopping, and gesticulating in rhythm): + + We harden, we strengthen (said sharply and quickly) + The nebulous earth-dust; + We loosen, we powder + Hard-crusted, earth-boulders; + Swift shatter we the hard, + Slow harden we the loose. + Such is our spirit-kind. + Of mental matter formed + Full-skilled were we before + When human souls still slept (said slowly and dreamily) + And dreamed when earth began. + +CHORUS OF THE SYLPHS (a swaying motion in rhythm): + + We weave and we unweave + The web of watery air; + We scatter and divide + Seed forces from the sun; + Light-force condense with care; + Fruit-powers destroy with skill; + For such is our soul-kind + From rays of feeling poured, + Which ever-living glows + That mankind may enjoy + Earth-evolution's sense. + +CHORUS OF THE GNOMES (dancing, hopping, and gesticulating in rhythm): + + We titter and we laugh (said sharply and quickly) + We banter and grimace, + When stumbling human sense + And fumbling human mind + Beholds what we have made; + They think they understand + When spirits from our age + Weave charms for their dull eyes (said slowly and emphatically). + +CHORUS OF THE SYLPHS (a swaying motion in rhythm): + + We take care, and we tend, + Bear fruit and in spirit, + 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 plans. + +(These spirit-beings collect in two irregular groups in the background, +and remain there visible. From the right appear the three soul-forces: +Philia, Astrid, and Luna with 'the other Philia.') + +PHILIA: + + They ray out the light + As loving light-forms + To ripeness so blest, + So gently they warm + And mightily heat + Where embryo growth + Would reach actual life; + That this actual life, + May make souls rejoice + Who lovingly yield + To radiant light. + +ASTRID: + + 'Tis life that they weave, + And help create, + In up-springing men, + They shatter the earth + And densify air; + That change may appear + In strenuous growth. + Such strenuous growth + Fills spirits with joy + Who feel that they weave + A life which creates. + +LUNA: + + They thoughtfully mould, + Alert to create + In flexible stuff; + They sharpen the edge + And flatten the face, + And cunningly build + The clearly-cut forms; + That clearly-cut forms + The will may inspire + With cunning to build, + Alert to create. + +THE OTHER PHILIA: + + They gather the blooms + And use without care + The magical works; + They dream of the true + And guard 'gainst the false; + That germs which lie hid + May wake into life. + And clairvoyant dreams + Make clear unto souls + The magical web + That forms their own life. + +(These four soul-forces disappear towards the left; Johannes, who +during the preceding events was deep in meditation, rouses himself.) + +JOHANNES: + + 'And clairvoyant dreams + Make clear unto souls + The magical web + That forms their own life.' + These are the words that still distinctly ring + Within my soul; that which I saw before + Passed in confusion out of my soul's ken. + + Yet what a power stirs in me, when I think; + 'The magical web + That forms their own life.' + +(He relapses once more into meditation; there appears to him as a +thought-form of his own a group composed of: The Spirit of Johannes' +Youth, with Lucifer on its right and Theodora's soul on its left.) + +THE SPIRIT OF JOHANNES' YOUTH: + + The life within thy wishes feeds my life, + My breath drinks thirstily thy youthful dreams; + I am alive when thou dost not desire + To force thy way to worlds I cannot find. + If in thyself thou losest me, I must + Do grievous painful service to grim shades:-- + O guardian of my life ... forsake me not. + +LUCIFER: + + He never will forsake thee,--I behold + Deep in his nature longings after light + Which cannot follow in Maria's steps. + And when the radiance which is born of them + Doth fully light Johannes' artist-soul + It must bear fruit; nor will he be content + To cast this fruit away in yonder realm + Where love divorced from beauty reigns alone. + 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 store. + When wisdom shall throw light on his desires + Their glorious worth will be revealed to him; + He only can think them of little worth + So long as they hide darkly in the soul. + Until they can attain to wisdom's light + I will be thy protector--through the light + I find deep-seated in the human soul. + + He has as yet no pity for thy woes, + And ever lets thee sink among the shades + When he is striving up the heights of light. + For then he can forget that thou, his child, + Must lead a miserable phantom life. + But henceforth, thou wilt find me at thy side + When as a shade thou freezest through his fault. + I will exert my rights as Lucifer + +(At the word 'Lucifer' the spirit of Johannes' youth starts.) + + Reserved to me by ancient cosmic law, + And occupy those depths within his soul + He leaves unguarded in his spirit-flight. + I'll bring thee treasure that will light for thee + The dark seclusion of the shadow-realms. + But thou wilt not be fully freed till he + Can once again unite himself with thee. + This act he can delay ... but not prevent. + For Lucifer will well protect his rights. + +THEODORA: + + Thou spirit-child, thou liv'st Johannes' youth + In gloomy shadow-realms. To thee in love + Bends down the soul which o'er Johannes broods + From realms ablaze with light, aglow with love. + She will from thine enchantment set thee free + If thou wilt take so much of what she feels + As shall procure thee life in blessedness. + I will ally thee with the elements + Which labour unaware in cosmic space + Withdrawing ever far from waking souls. + With those earth-spirits thou canst fashion forms, + And with the fire-souls thou canst ray out power, + If thou wilt sacrifice thy conscious life + Unto the will that works with light and power + But without human wisdom. So shalt thou + Preserve thy knowledge, only half thine own, + From Lucifer, and to Johannes give + The services which are of worth to him. + From his soul's being I will bring to thee + What causeth him to crave thy being's aid, + And find refreshment in the spirit-sleep. + +LUCIFER: + + But beauty she can ne'er bestow on thee + Since I myself dare take it far from her. + +THEODORA: + + From noble feeling I will find the germ + Of beauty which grows ripe through sacrifice. + +LUCIFER: + + From free-will she will tear thee and instead + Give thee to spirits who dwell in the dark. + +THEODORA: + + I shall awaken sight by spirit filled + That e'en from Lucifer knows itself free. + +(Lucifer, Theodora, and the Spirit of Johannes' youth +disappear. Johannes, awaking from his meditation, sees 'the other +Philia' approaching him.) + +THE OTHER PHILIA: + + And clairvoyant dreams + Make clear unto souls + The magical web + That forms their own life. + +JOHANNES: + + Thou riddle-speaking spirit--at thy words + This world I entered! Of its mysteries + One only--is important for my soul: + Whether, as living in the spirit worlds, + The shadow dwells who sought with Lucifer + And Theodora to be shown to me. + +THE OTHER PHILIA: + + He lives--and by thyself was waked to life. + 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-shades. + +JOHANNES: + + 'Tis but a picture, mirrored thus by me? + +THE OTHER PHILIA: + + 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 overthrow. + Johannes, thine awakening is but false + Until thou shalt thyself set free the shade + Whom thine offence doth lend a magic life. + +JOHANNES: + + What thanks I owe this spirit, who brings truth + Into my soul--I needs must follow it. + +Curtain falls slowly, while 'the other Philia' and Johannes remain +quietly standing. + + + + + + +SCENE 3 + + +The Same. + +(Enter left, Magnus Bellicosus, Romanus, Torquatus, and Hilary, +in deep conversation, and pausing in their walk.) + +BELLICOSUS: + + And if his headstrong mood will not be changed, + How can prosperity attend the work + Which Hilary is fain to dedicate + In loving service to his fellowmen? + +ROMANUS: + + What our friend's true companion in his work + Did give as reason why he did object, + Hath weight not only amongst men who form + Opinions based on outer facts of life. + Are not these arguments advanced by him + Also in harmony with mystic views? + +BELLICOSUS: + + Yet it lies not within the spirit group + Which holds our projects in its firm embrace. + Those who succeeded to our mystic task + Were Benedictus' pupils;--'tis for them + That Hilary would make a field of work + In which their spirit-fruitage can mature. + The wise powers ruling over destiny + Have, in the temple, joined them to ourselves; + Our friend, however, represents alone + The wisdom which to us within the shrine + As spirit-law and duty was revealed. + +ROMANUS: + + But art thou sure that thou dost understand + This spirit-law? More simply it might mean + That Benedictus and his pupils too, + Whom in his way he to the spirit led, + 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 on. + For but too easily can spirit-sight + Be turned, upon that road, to soul's dream-sleep. + +BELLICOSUS: + + I did not hope to hear such words from thee + To Hilary's companion in his work. + We must indeed allow that knowledge gained + From books alone is but of little worth. + But thou art bound to recognize the signs + Which are begotten on the mystic way. + How Benedictus' pupils were impelled + To come to us, speaks clearly to our souls. + They are joined with us that we may obey + What their clairvoyance doth to them reveal. + +TORQUATUS: + + 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 us. + Capesius hath now withdrawn himself + From Benedictus and his pupils' group. + That he should not yet in its fullness feel + The wakefulness of soul which now in him + Doth Benedictus seek, doth cast sad doubt + E'en on our teacher's personal competence. + +BELLICOSUS: + + The gift of seership lies still far from me: + Yet intuition often doth reveal + Within my soul the meaning of events. + When for the first time in our sacred fane + I saw Capesius within our group + The thought oppressed me, that fate set him there + To be both near to us and yet far off. + +ROMANUS: + + Thine intuition I can fully grasp. + But at that very moment none amongst + Our new-found mystic friends so closely knit + By fate to us as Strader, could I find. + Such intuition is to me a sign + To show my soul the road, where I may then + With reason search; and when I come to act + I must destroy that intuition first + Which gave strength and direction to my thought. + Thus mysticism's strict decrees ordain. + In spirit-realms I find myself in truth + With Benedictus' pupils close allied; + Yet, if I leave my inner mystic group + And find my way back into life on earth, + By Strader's side alone dare I do this. + +TORQUATUS: + + But Hilary's companion in his work + Finds not in Strader's soul true spirit-strength + Such as can prove of use in outer life. + And if myself I heed my inner voice + It is revealed that he entirely lacks + The rightful mood to tread the mystic path. + What outward signs can show him of these things + And what his reason grasps of spirit-life, + Arouse the explorer's zeal in him; + From inward spirit-life he stands far off. + What can the spirit products of this man + Be but obscurely woven mystic dreams? + +ROMANUS: + + Upon the spirit path his friends have trod; + He hath not made sufficient progress yet + To join himself to foes of his own soul, + Who bring to many mystics danger great + When they pursue him into life on earth. + +BELLICOSUS: + + 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 him. + For when our friend's companion comes to know + How highly thou dost rate the man whom he + Dares think of little worth, he will in truth + Misdoubt his own opinion. Thou alone + Canst win him over to the cause we serve. + For well he knows that in thine outer life + Thou hast invariably achieved success + In all thou hast essayed with forethought wise. + +ROMANUS: + + If thou wilt Strader take, dear Hilary, + As thy companion, and, from this thy work + Keep Benedictus' other followers + On spirit paths from all illusion free, + Thou shalt not stand alone;--I offer thee + Not only what now Bellicosus asks + As my assistance; but will also help + With all the worldly goods at my command + In making Strader's plan a real success. + +HILARY: + + How canst thou think that Strader at this time + From Benedictus' pupils would depart? + To follow his own spirit-aims alone? + The others are as near him as himself. + +ROMANUS: + + In human life they well may stand so close. + But only that part of his soul can hold + That they in spirit too are one with him, + Which still is deeply sunk in spirit-sleep + But soon, methinks, it will be evident + How that part can grow ripe to waking life. + +(Exeunt right.) + +(Enter left--Capesius, Strader, Felix Balde, and Dame Balde; as if +coming to a standstill during their talk because of the importance +to them of the following dialogue.) + +CAPESIUS: + + To seek the spirit in mine inmost soul + Is all that I can do at such a time. + Were I to load myself with outward work, + That spirit might be brought to realms of sense, + With rashness should I strive to grasp the cause + Of being in those worlds whose essence true + I have not fully grasped within myself. + Of cosmic being I can see no more + Than hath already shaped itself in me. + How shall my work do good to other men + If in creating I but please myself? + +STRADER: + + Thy meaning is, I take it, that thy work + Will only carry thine own being's stamp; + And in that work, thou dost but manifest + To outward cosmic life thy personal self? + +CAPESIUS: + + Till I encounter with mine inner world + A being strange to me, 'tis even so. + How far I now can pierce another's soul + I realized with pain, when for a while + I was awake and could with clearness judge. + +FELIX BALDE: + + Thou speak'st as I have never heard thee speak-- + But ne'er could I so understand thy mind + As I do now, when naught speaks but thyself. + In all thy words there rings the mystic mood + Which I have sought unwearied many years; + And which alone can recognise the light + In which the human spirit feels itself + A part of cosmic spirit through clear sight. + +CAPESIUS: + + Because I felt how near I'd drawn to thee + I sought thee, fleeing from the kind of life + That was about to slay mine inner world. + +STRADER: + + I often understood thy present speech;-- + And then I thought it wisdom;--but no word + In all thy speech can I now understand. + Capesius and father Felix both + Conceal dark meanings in transparent words.... + + Do I not feel these words of thine are but + The cloak of forces: forces of the soul + That exile me from thee unto those words + Which lie remote from all thy spirit-paths? + Worlds I have no desire for,--since I must + Deep in my soul adore that world of thine. + The opposition I can lightly bear + Which from without now menaceth my work; + Yea, e'en if all my plans were broken up + Upon this opposition;--I could bear. + But I cannot forego these worlds of thine. + +FELIX BALDE: + + A man cannot attain the spirit-world + By seeking to unlock the gates himself. + Once didst thou give me pleasure, when of old + Of thine invention thou wast wont to speak-- + Then, when enlightenment was granted thee + By what thou didst not strive to understand. + Thou wast far nearer to the mystic mood. + + To strive for nought,--but just to live in peace, + Expectancy the soul's whole inner life:-- + That is the mystic mood. When waked in man + It leads his inmost soul to realms of light. + Our outward tasks do not endure such mood. + If them thou wouldst through mysticism seek, + Mystic illusion will destroy thy life. + +STRADER: + + I need thee sorely;--yet I find thee not-- + The being that unites us thou dost scorn. + Yet how can men be found to undertake + True cosmic work if mystics all decline + To leave their individuality? + +FELIX BALDE: + + Into thy world of active daily life + The tender being of clairvoyant sight + Cannot be introduced, for it will fade + E'en as its welcome border line appears. + In faith devout, revering spirit-sway + With spirit-sight reposing in the heart:-- + Thus mystics should draw nigh the world of deeds. + +CAPESIUS: + + And if they strive to tread it otherwise + The work of error they will then behold; + But wisdom's radiance they will never see. + I once saw clearly through another's soul. + I knew that I saw truly what I saw. + Yet only that soul's error could I see. + This was my fate for spoiling spirit-sight + By my desire for outer deeds on earth. + +STRADER: + + Thus speaks Capesius who hath advanced + Beyond me far upon the path of souls. + And yet my spirit-vision only wakes + When thoughts of action wholly fill my soul; + 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 seeks, through human sense-activities, + A new home in the daily life of earth. + + Am I a son of error?--not thy son, + Ye wide-flung spirit-realms where wisdom dwells? + +(Strader turns away, for a moment, from the companions with +whom he has been conversing; and now he has the following +spirit-vision--Benedictus, Maria, Ahriman appear--in the guise of +his thought-forms but nevertheless in real spirit-intercourse; first +Benedictus and Ahriman, then Maria.) + +BENEDICTUS: + + In wide-flung spirit-realms where wisdom dwells + Thou seekest aid to still thy questioning doubt, + Which makes the secret of thine inner life + Lie like a burden on thine earthly thought. + And thou shalt have an answer, such an one + As spirit-spaces out of their soul-depths + Are willing to reveal through this my voice. + But learn to understand what thou hast guessed + And what thou often hast made bold to say, + But in thine inner being only dreamst. + Give to thy dreams the life, which I am bound + To offer thee from out the spirit-world; + But turn to dreams whatever thou canst draw + By thought from all thy sense-experience. + Capesius and Felix cast thee forth + From out the spirit-light which they behold; + Thy place th' abyss betwixt themselves and thee-- + Do not complain that they have done this thing, + But gaze in thine abyss. + +AHRIMAN: + + Aye, gaze therein! + Thou shalt behold there what to thee seems meet + For human spirits on their cosmic path. + 'Twere well for thee, if other spirit-powers + Did tell thee when thy soul is sunk in sleep; + But Benedictus tells thee when awake, + So dost thou slay, beholding, thy response. + Aye, gaze therein. + +STRADER: + + I will. What do I see? + Two forms confused? They change, yea, and they tear, + One at the other tears--a battle now-- + The phantoms fight each other furiously,-- + Destruction reigns, and from it gloom is born;-- + From out the gloom now issue other shades + With ether's light around them,--flick'ring red; + One of the forms quite clearly leaves the rest; + And comes to me;--sent from the dark abyss. + +(Maria steps forth from the abyss.) + +MARIA: + + Thou seest demons;--summon up thy strength, + They are not thus,--before thee they appear + What they are not. 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 scheme. + Thy power of sight doth fade ere they unfold + The forces which will make them luminous. + Illuminate them with thine own self's light. + Where is thy light? Thou rayest darkness out-- + Perceive thy darkness all around thyself-- + 'Midst light thou dost create the baffling gloom; + And feelst it when created by thyself. + Yet then thou ne'er canst feel thyself create. + Thou wouldst forget thy longing to create, + Which reigns unconsciously within thy soul. + Because thou art afraid to ray out light. + Thou wouldst enjoy this light that is thine own. + Thou wouldst enjoy therein thyself alone. + Thou seekst thyself, and seekest to forget. + Thou let'st thyself sink dreaming in thyself. + +AHRIMAN: + + Aye, list to her; thy riddles she can solve + But her solution solves them not for thee. + She gives thee wisdom--so that with its aid + Thou canst direct thy steps to foolishness. + Wisdom were good for thee--at other times, + When on thee spirit-day doth brightly shine. + But when Maria speaks thus in thy dreams + She slays thy riddle's answer by her words. + Aye, list to her. + +STRADER: + + What mean such words as these? + Maria, are they born from out the light? + From out my light? Or is my darkness that + From which they sound? O Benedictus, speak; + Who brought me counsel from the dark abyss? + +BENEDICTUS: + + At thine abyss's edge she sought thee out. + Thus spirits seek out men to shelter them, + From those who fashion phantoms for men's souls + And so conceal the cosmic-spirit's sway + With mazy darkness, that they only know + Themselves in truth in their own being's net. + Look further yet within thy dark abyss. + +STRADER: + + What now lives in the depths of mine abyss? + +BENEDICTUS: + + Gaze on these shades; upon the right, blue-red + Enticing Felix--and the others see-- + There on the left--where red with yellow blends; + Who are intent to reach Capesius. + They both do feel the might of these same shades;-- + And each in loneliness creates the light + Which foils the shades who would deceive men's souls. + +AHRIMAN: + + He would do better did he show to thee + Thy shades--yet this thing could he scarcely do;-- + He hath the best intentions certainly. + He only sees not where to seek those shades. + They stand behind thee, critically near,-- + Yet thou thyself dost hide them now from him. + +STRADER: + + So now I hear in mine abyss these words + Which once I thought the prating of a fool, + When Hilary's adviser uttered them.... + +MARIA: + + Sire Felix tempers for himself the blade + That rids him of his danger; one who treads + The path thy soul takes needs another kind. + The sword Capesius doth fashion here, + And bravely wields in battle with his foes, + 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-being, ripe for deeds + With mighty power, to earth activity. + Thou canst not use their weapons in thy fight; + Yet thou must know them, so that thou mayst forge + Thine own from out soul-substance thoughtfully. + +(The figures of Benedictus, Ahriman, and Maria disappear; i.e., from +outward sight; Strader wakes up from his spirit-vision; he looks round +for Capesius, Felix Balde, and Dame Balde, who again approach him; +he has seated himself upon a rock.) + +FELIX BALDE: + + Dear Strader, even now the spirit drove + Thee far from us--thus it appeared to me. + +(He pauses a while in the expectation that Strader will say something, +but since the latter remains silent Felix continues.) + + I would not seem to cast thee coldly forth + From out our group to other paths of life. + I only wish to check thy further steps + In that illusion which confuseth thee. + What spirit sees in spirit must by souls + In spirit also be received and lived. + How foolish were it if Felicia + Should take the fairies living in her soul, + Who also fain would only live in souls, + And make them dance upon a puppet's stage. + Their magic charm would be completely lost. + +DAME BALDE: + + I surely have been silent long enough. + But speak I will, if thou art going to cast + Thy mystic mood upon my fairy sprites. + They would indeed enjoy to have their power + Drawn out of them, that they might be brought up + And suckled fresh with mysticism's milk. + I honour mysticism; but I fain + Would keep it distant from my fairy realms. + +CAPESIUS: + + Felicia, was it not thy fairy-tales + That set my feet first on the spirit-path? + Those stories of the air and water-sprites, + Called up so oft before my thirsting soul, + Were messengers to me from yonder world + Whereto I now the mystic entrance seek. + +DAME BALDE: + + But since thou cam'st with this new mystic art + Into our house thou hast but seldom asked + What my fair magic beings are about. + More often thou hast only thought of worth + What wears a solemn air of dignity; + While those who caper out of sheer delight + Are uncongenial to thy mystic ways. + +CAPESIUS: + + I do not doubt, Felicia, that I + Shall one day comprehend the meaning hid + Deep in the being of those wondrous elves + Who show their wisdom through a merry mask. + Yet now my power hath not advanced so far. + +FELIX BALDE: + + Felicia, thou knowest how I love + Those fairy beings who do visit thee; + But to conceive them as mechanical + Embodied dolls--this goes against the grain. + +DAME BALDE: + + As yet I have not brought them to thee thus; + Thy fancy flies--too high; but I was glad + When Strader's plan was told me, and, I heard, + Thomasius also strives to represent + The spirit cased in matter visible. + I saw in spirit dancing merrily + My fairy princes and my souls of fire + In thousand doll-games, beautified by art; + And there I left them, happy in the thought, + To find their own way to the nurseries. + +Curtain + + + + + + +SCENE 4 + + +The Same. + +(The Manager and Romanus, pausing in their walk, speak as follows.) + +MANAGER: + + Thou know'st the mystic friends of Hilary, + 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 arts: + And so I value thy considered thought. + But how shall I make sense of what thou sayst? + 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 thee. But will the selfsame path + For Strader not be just as dangerous? + 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 life. + Within oneself, as all true mystics know, + Those forces must develop in their strength + In order to oppose these enemies; + But Strader's sight, it seems, is not yet ripe + To see such foes upon his spirit-path. + +ROMANUS: + + Yet those good spirits who conduct such men, + As stand outside the spirit-realms entire, + Have not yet left his side, but guide his steps. + These spirits ever pass those mystics by + Who make a pact with beings to secure + Their service for their personal spirit mood. + In Strader's methods I can plainly feel + How nature-spirits still give to his self + The fruits of their benign activity. + +MANAGER: + + So 'tis by feeling only thou art led + To think good spirits work in Strader's case; + Thou off'rest little and dost ask full much. + + 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 loved; + And which I still hear speaking from his grave, + E'en if his son hath no more ears for it. + What saith this spirit of that brave strong man + When he perceives these crazy spirits now + Which his son tries to bring within his house? + I know that spirit who for ninety years + Lived in his body. He it was who taught + To me the truest secrets of my work + In those old days when he could work himself, + The while his son crept off to mystic fanes. + +ROMANUS: + + My friend, canst thou indeed be unaware + How highly this same spirit I revere? + His servant certainly was that old man + Whom for a pattern thou didst rightly choose. + And I myself have striv'n to serve him too + From childhood's days up to the present time. + But I too crept away to mystic fanes. + I planted truly deep within my soul + What they were willing to bestow on me. + But reason swept aside the temple mood + When at the door it entered into life. + I knew that in this way I best could bring + This mood's strong forces into earthly life. + From out the temple none the less I brought + My soul into my work. And it is well + That soul by reason should not be disturbed. + +MANAGER: + + And dost thou find that Strader's spirit-way + Is even distantly akin to thine? + I find myself at thy side ever free + From spirit-beings Strader brings to me. + I clearly feel, e'en in his random speech, + How elemental spirits, quick with life, + By word and nature pour themselves through him + Revealing things the senses cannot grasp. + It is just this that keeps me off from him. + +ROMANUS: + + This speech, my friend, doth strike me to the heart. + Since I drew nigh to Strader I have felt + Those very thoughts which come to me through him + To be endowed with quite peculiar power. + They cleft me just as if they were mine own. + And one day I reflected: What if I + Owe to his soul not to myself the power + Which let me ripen to maturity! + Hard on this feeling came a second one; + 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-life? + +MANAGER: + + I feel precisely thus about him too. + When one draws near to him, the spirit which + Doth work through him moves powerfully one's soul. + And if thy strong soul must succumb to him, + How shall I manage to protect mine own + If I unite with him in this his work? + +ROMANUS: + + It will depend on thee alone to find + The right relation 'twixt thyself and him. + 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 own. + +MANAGER: + + Have made--his own--such power--and over thee-- + A dreamer--over the--the man of deeds! + +ROMANUS: + + 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 soul; + Who knew much which the men of his own time + Were still too undeveloped to conceive. + 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 men; + And that from this source people like myself + Have drawn their capability for work-- + The thoughts which in my youth I seized upon, + And which I found in my environment, + Might well have been this spirit's progeny! + +MANAGER: + + And dost thou think it justifiable + To trace back thoughts to Strader and none else + That hold a value for mankind's whole life? + +ROMANUS: + + I were a dreamer if I acted thus. + I spin no dreams about mankind's whole life + With eyes fast closed. I ne'er had use for thoughts + That show themselves and forthwith fade away. + I look at Strader with wide-open eyes; + And see what this man's nature proves to be, + What qualities he hath and how he acts, + And that wherein he fails;--and then I know + I have no option left me but to judge + Of his endowments as I have just done. + As if this man had stood before mine eyes + Already many hundred years ago, + So do I feel him in my spirit now. + And that I am awake--I know full well. + I shall lend my support to Hilary; + For that which must will surely come to pass. + So think his project over once again. + +MANAGER: + + It will be of more benefit to me + If I think over that which thou hast said. + +(Exeunt Manager and Romanus. Johannes comes from another direction, +deep in thought, and sits down on a boulder. Johannes is at first +alone, afterwards appear his Double, the Spirit of Johannes' youth, +and finally the Guardian of the Threshold, and Ahriman.) + +JOHANNES: + + I was astonished when Capesius + Made known to me how my soul's inner self + Revealed itself unto his spirit's eye. + I could so utterly forget a fact + Which years ago was clear as day to me:-- + That all that lives within the human soul + Works further in the outer spirit-realms; + Long have I known it, yet I could forget. + When Benedictus was directing me + To my first spirit-vision, I beheld + Capesius and Strader by this means, + Clear as a picture, in another age. + I saw the potent pictures of their thoughts + Send circling ripples through the world's expanse. + Well do I know all this--and knew it not + When I beheld it through Capesius. + The part of me which knows was not awake; + That in an earth-life of the distant past + Capesius and I were closely knit: + That also for a long time have I known,-- + Yet at that instant I did know it not. + How can I keep my knowledge all the time? + +(A voice from the distance, that of Johannes' Double.) + + 'The magical web + That forms their own life.' + +JOHANNES: + + 'And clairvoyant dreams + Make clear unto souls + The magical web + That forms their own life.' + +(While Johannes is speaking these lines his Double approaches +him. Johannes does not recognize him, but thinks "the other Philia" +is coming towards him.) + + O spirit-counsellor, thou com'st once more; + True counsel didst thou bring unto my soul. + +THE DOUBLE: + + Johannes, thine awakening is but false + Until thou shalt thyself set free the shade + Whom thine offence doth lend a magic life. + +JOHANNES: + + This is the second time thou speakest thus. + I will obey thee. Point me out the way. + +THE DOUBLE: + + Johannes, give life in the shadow-realm + To what is lost to thee in thine own self. + From out thy spirit's light pour light on him + So that he will not have to suffer pain. + +JOHANNES: + + The shadow-being in me I have stunned + But not o'erthrown: wherefore he must remain + A shade enchanted amongst the other shades + Till I can re-unite myself with him. + +THE DOUBLE: + + Then give to me that which thou owest him: + The power of love, that drives thee forth to him, + The heart's hope, that was first begot by him, + The fresh life, that lies hidden deep in him, + The fruits of earth-lives in the distant past, + Which with his being now are lost to thee; + Oh, give them me; I'll bring them safe to him. + +JOHANNES: + + Thou knowest the way to him?--Oh, show it me. + +THE DOUBLE: + + I could get to him in the shadow-realm + When thou didst raise thyself to spirit-spheres; + But since, desire-powers tempting thee, thou didst + Avert thy mind to follow after him, + When now I seek him my strength ever fails. + But if thou wilt abide by my advice + My strength can then create itself anew. + +JOHANNES: + + I vowed to thee that I would follow thee-- + And now, O spirit-counsellor, again + With all my soul's strength I renew that vow. + But if thou canst thus find the way to him, + Then show it to me in this hour of fate. + +THE DOUBLE: + + I find it now but cannot lead the way. + I can alone show to thine inward eye + The being whom thy longing now doth seek. + +(The spirit of Johannes' Youth appears.) + +THE SPIRIT OF JOHANNES' YOUTH: + + Thanks to that spirit I shall ever owe + Who was allowed thy soul sight to unseal, + So that when I appear by spirit-law + Thou wilt henceforth behold me open-eyed. + But thou must first this spirit truly know, + At whose side thou art now beholding me. + +(The spirit of Johannes' Youth disappears: only now does Johannes +recognise the Double.) + +JOHANNES: + + That spirit-counsellor--mine other self? + +THE DOUBLE: + + Now follow me--thou hast so vowed to me-- + For I must now conduct thee to my lord. + +(The Guardian of the Threshold appears and stands beside the Double.) + +THE GUARDIAN: + + Johannes, wouldst thou tear this shade away + From those enchanted regions of the soul, + Then slay desire, which leads thee aye astray. + The trace which thou dost follow disappears + So long as thou dost seek it with desire. + It leads thee to my threshold and beyond. + But here, obeying lofty Being's will, + I do confuse the inward sight of those + Within whose spirit-glance lives vain desire; + All these must meet me ere they are allowed + To penetrate to Truth's pure radiant light. + I hold thyself fast prisoned in thy sight + So long as thou approachest with desire. + Myself too as illusion dost thou see, + So long as vain desire is joined with sight + And spirit-peacefulness of soul hath not + Become as yet thy being's vehicle. + Make strong those words of power which thou dost know, + Their spirit-power will conquer fantasy. + Then recognise me, free from all desire, + And thou shalt see me as I really am. + And then I need no longer hinder thee + From gazing freely on the spirit-realm. + +JOHANNES: + + But as illusion dost thou too appear? + Thou too ... whom I must ever see the first, + Of all the beings in the spirit-land. + How shall I know the truth when I must find + One truth alone confront mine onward steps-- + That ever denser grows illusion's veil. + +AHRIMAN: + + Let not thyself be quite confused by him. + 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 ends. + And least of all shouldst thou behold in him + An actor in a poor dramatic show. + But thou wilt make it better later on. + Yet e'en this clownish form can serve thy soul. + It doth not have to spend much energy + In showing thee that which it now still is. + Pay close attention to the Guardian's speech: + Its tone is mournful and its pathos marked, + Allow not this: for then he will disclose + From whom today he borrows to excess. + +JOHANNES: + + Then e'en the content of his speech deceives? + +THE DOUBLE: + + Ask not of Ahriman, since he doth find + In contradictions aye his chief delight. + +JOHANNES: + + Of whom then shall I ask? + +THE DOUBLE: + + Why, ask thyself. + With my power will I fortify thee well + So that awake thou mayst find the place + Whence thou canst gaze untramelled by desire. + Increase thy power. + +JOHANNES: + + 'The magical web + That forms their own life.' + O magical web that forms mine own life + Make known to me where desire doth not burn. + +(The Guardian disappears: in his place appear Benedictus and Maria.) + +MARIA: + + Myself too as illusion dost thou see + Since vain desire is still allied with sight. + +BENEDICTUS: + + And spirit-peacefulness of soul hath not + Become as yet thy being's vehicle. + +(The Double, Benedictus, and Maria disappear.) + +JOHANNES: + + Maria, Benedictus,--Guardians! + How can they as the Guardian come to me? + + '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 self. + +(Exit, right.) + +(Enter Strader, Benedictus, and Maria, left.) + +STRADER: + + Thou gav'st, when joined in spirit unto me + Before the dark abyss of mine own self, + Wise counsel to direct mine inward sight, + Which at that time I could not understand, + But which will work such changes in my soul + As certainly will solve life's problems, when + They seek to hinder what I strive to do. + I feel in me the power which thou dost give + To thy disciples on the spirit-path. + And so I shall be able to perform + The service thou dost ask for in this work + That Hilary to mankind will devote; + We shall, however, lack Capesius. + Whatever strength the rest bring to the work + Will not replace his keen activity; + But that which must will surely come to pass. + +BENEDICTUS: + + Yea, that which must will surely come to pass. + This phrase expresseth thine own stage of growth. + But it awakes no answering response + In souls of all our other spirit-friends. + Thomasius is not as yet prepared + To carry spirit-power to worlds of sense, + So he too will withdraw from this same work. + Through him doth destiny give us a sign + That we must all now seek another plan + +STRADER: + + Will not Maria and thyself be there? + +BENEDICTUS: + + Maria must Johannes take with her + If she would ever find in truth the road, + Which leads from spirit to the world of sense. + Thus wills the Guardian who with earnest eye + Unceasing guards the borders of both realms. + She cannot lend her aid to thee as yet. + 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 things. + +STRADER: + + So I and all my aims are left alone! + O loneliness, didst thou then seek me out + When I did stand at Felix Balde's side? + +BENEDICTUS: + + The thing which hath just happened in our group + Hath taught me, as I look on thy career, + To read a certain word in spirit-light + Which hitherto hath hid itself from me. + I saw that thou wast bound to certain kinds + Of beings, who, if they should take a part + Creatively in mankind's life today, + Would surely work for evil; now they live + As germs in certain souls, and will grow ripe + In future days to work upon the earth. + Such germs have I seen living in thy soul. + That thou dost know them not is for thy good. + Through thee they will first learn to know themselves. + But now the road is still close barred for them + Which leads into the realm of earthly things. + +STRADER: + + Whatever else thy words may say to me, + They show me that my lot is loneliness. + And this it is must truly forge my sword. + Maria told me this at mine abyss. + +(Benedictus and Maria retire a little way; Strader remains alone; +the soul of Theodora appears.) + +THEODORA'S SOUL: + + And Theodora in the worlds of light + Will make warmth for thee that thy spirit-sword + May keenly smite the foes of thine own soul. + +(Disappears. Exit Strader. Benedictus and Maria come to the front +of stage.) + +MARIA: + + My learned teacher, ne'er yet did I hear + Thee tell disciples, who had reached the stage + Of Strader, in such tones the words of fate. + Will his soul run its course so speedily + That these words' power will prove of use to him? + +BENEDICTUS: + + Fate gave the order, and it was fulfilled. + +MARIA: + + And if the power should prove no use to him, + Will not its evils also fall on thee? + +BENEDICTUS: + + 'Twill not be evil; yet I do not know + In what way it will manifest in him. + My gaze at present penetrates to realms + Where such advice illuminates my soul; + But I see not the scene of its result. + And if I try to see, my vision dies. + +MARIA: + + Thy vision dies,--my guide and leader, thine?-- + Who stays for thee thy seership's certain gaze? + +BENEDICTUS: + + Johannes flees therewith to cosmic space; + We must pursue;--for I can hear him call. + +MARIA: + + He calls,--from spirit-space his call rings out; + There sounds within his tone a distant fear. + +BENEDICTUS: + + So from the ever empty fields of ice + Our mystic friend's call sounds in cosmic space. + +MARIA: + + The ice's cold is burning in my self, + And kindling tongues of flame in my soul-depths; + The flames are scorching all my power of thought. + +BENEDICTUS: + + In thy soul-depths the fire doth blaze, which now + Johannes kindles in the cosmic frost. + +MARIA: + + The flames fly off,--they fly off with my thought. + + 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 reels;--the cold light--hammers out + Hot waves of darkness from my failing thought. + What now emergeth from this darkling heat? + Clad in red flames my self storms--to the light;-- + To the cold light--of cosmic fields of ice. + +Curtain + + + + + + +SCENE 5 + + +The Spirit Realm. The scene is set in floods of significant colour, +reddish deepening into fiery red above, blue merging into dark blue +and violet below. In the lower part there is an earth-globe which +has the effect of being a symbol. The figures that appear seem to +blend into a complete whole with the colours. On the left of the +stage the group of gnomes as in Scene 2, in front of them Hilary, +and in the immediate foreground the soul-forces. + +FELIX BALDE'S SOUL: (Seated at the extreme right of stage, having +the form of a penitent, but arrayed in a light violet robe girdled +with gold.) + + I thank thee, Spirit, wise to govern worlds, + My saviour from my gloomy loneliness; + Thy word awakens unto work and life. + I will make use of what thou giv'st to worlds + About which I can meditate, whilst thou + Dost let mine own become insensible. + For then thou bearest to them on thy rays + That which in pictures fashioneth powers for me. + +LUCIFER: (Bluish-green glittering under-garment, reddish outer-garment, +shaped like a mantle and gleaming brightly, which extends into +wing-like outlines; his upper part is not an aura but he wears a mitre +of deep red bordered with wings; on his right wing a blue shape having +the appearance of a sword; a yellow shape, like the ball of a planet, +is supported by his left wing. He stands somewhat behind and to the +right, towering over Felix Balde's soul.) + + My servant, such activity as thine + The sun-time needs, in which we find ourselves. + The earth-star now receives a faded light; + It is the time when souls like thine can work + Unto the best advantage on themselves. + On thee I ray forth from my fount of light + The germs that tend to raise self-consciousness. + Go, gather them to make thine ego strong. + In later earth-life they will come to flower. + There shall the blossoms by thy soul be sought; + In its own nature it will take delight + When it can joy in planning its desires. + +FELIX BALDE'S SOUL: (gazing at the group of gnomes. From this moment, +the gnomes becoming conscious, keep swaying up and down, slightly +raising and lowering themselves, as if the group was breathing +from above.) + + There far away, bright being disappears; + It floats in shadow-pictures through the depths; + And, floating, strives to gain some steadying weight. + +HILARY'S SOUL: (With the figure of a steel-blue-grey elemental +spirit changed to resemble a man's; the head less bowed, and the +limbs more human.) + + The mist of wishes doth reflect the light + Thrown on the realm of spirit by earth's star, + The star for which in this world thou dost form + From soul-material a thinking self. + For thee 'tis but a fleeting web of mist, + But to themselves they seem like solid souls. + On earth they work, by cosmic reason led, + In old fire forces, thirsting after form. + +FELIX BALDE'S SOUL: + + I will that their weight shall not burden me, + Nor shall oppose the tendency to float. + +(The gnomes cease their movement.) + +AHRIMAN: + + Thy speech is good. Swift will I seize thy words + That I may keep them for myself unharmed. + Thou canst not yet develop them thyself. + But on the earth they would fill thee with hate. + +STRADER'S SOUL: (Toward the left of stage; only his head is visible; it +is in a yellowish-green aura with red and orange stars. At this moment +on Strader's immediate left appears the Soul of Capesius. Similarly +only his head is to be seen. It is in a blue aura with red and +yellow stars.) + + I hear a word which sounds and sounds again. + It seems significant, and yet the sound + Doth vanish, and the lust for life doth seize + Its echoed answer. Which road would it take? + +THE OTHER PHILIA: (Arrayed like a copy of Lucifer, though the radiance +is lacking. Instead of the sword she has a sort of dagger, and in +place of the planet a red ball like a fruit.) + + It travels onward in its search for weight + Unto the place where radiant being fades + And misty pictures surge into the depths. + If thou dost keep its meaning in thy realm + I'll bring its power to thee within the mist; + Then thou wilt re-discover it on earth. + +PHILIA: (Figure like an angel, yellow merging into a sort of white, +with wings of a bright violet, a lighter shade than Maria has later +on.--All three soul-figures are near Strader's soul and stand in the +centre of the stage.) + + The mist-creations I will tend for thee + That they may not when conscious guide thy will; + That will I unto cosmic light entrust + Wherein they form the heat thy nature needs. + +ASTRID: (Figure like an angel, robed in bright violet, with blue +wings.) + + I beam forth clear and wondrous life of stars + To beings, that they may make forms therefrom. + They to thine earthly body shall give strength, + From knowledge far, but near to heart's intent. + +LUNA: (Figure like an angel, robe of blue and red, with orange wings.) + + The weighty being, they with toil create, + In thy sense-body will I later hide; + That thou mayst not in thought turn it to ill + And thus stir up a storm in earthly life. + +STRADER'S SOUL: + + The three were speaking to me sunshine's words, + They work for me where I can see them work. + Full many figures are they fashioning; + I feel an impulse by soul-power to change + Them with design, and make them one with me. + Awake in me, O royal solar power + That by resistance I may dim thy might; + Desire brought from moon ages moves me thus. + A golden glow now stirs, I feel its warmth, + And silver sheen, forth-spraying though yet cold; + Awake, Mercurial longing, once again + And wed my severed cosmic self to me. + + Well do I feel that once again a part + Is formed from out that picture, which I here + From cosmic spirit forces must create. + +CAPESIUS' SOUL: + + 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 life. + It rays out grace and soothes with soft appeal. + The warming glow of wisdom streams therefrom, + And clarifying light gives to my soul. + Could I but make this picture one with me + I should attain what I am thirsting for. + Yet know I not the power which could avail + To make this picture active in my sphere. + +LUNA: + + That which two earth-lives gave thee thou must feel. + One, many years ago, slid gently by + In earnest effort; later on thou hadst + One by ambition soiled; which must be fed + With strengthening grace descending from the first, + That Jupiter's fire-souls may be revealed + Within the circle of thy spirit-sight. + Then shalt thou feel that wisdom strengthens thee. + Then will the picture, which thou see'st afar + Upon the borders of thy soul's expanse, + Be set at liberty to come to thee. + +CAPESIUS' SOUL: + + I needs must be indebted to the soul + That now prepares for being, since it shows + A warning picture in my soul's expanse. + +ASTRID: + + Thou art indeed; but not as yet doth it + Demand a payment in thy next earth-life. + This picture serves to give thee powers of thought + That thou as man mayst recognize the man + Who shows his earthly future to thee here. + +THE OTHER PHILIA: + + The picture may indeed come closer yet + But cannot penetrate thy very self. + And so restrain its longing for thyself, + That thou mayst find thyself on earth again + Ere it can flow into thine inmost self. + +CAPESIUS' SOUL: + + I feel before what I shall owe to it + When I shall will to bring it near to me, + Yet can assert that I am free therefrom. + From Philia's domain I now behold + In picture-sequences the energy + Which I shall gather from its near approach. + +PHILIA: + + When Saturn soon his many-coloured light + Shall ray on thee, use well the favour'd hour. + Then through his power in thy soul's vehicle + That which in spirit is akin to thee + Will plant the roots of thought, which will disclose + The meaning of the cyclic life of earth + When thou dost tread again this star thyself. + +CAPESIUS: + + Thy counsel shall become my monitor + As soon as Saturn pours his light on me. + +LUCIFER: + + One more thing will I waken in these souls; + The view of worlds whose light will cause them pain, + Ere they can leave this sun-time fortified + With powers for later life upon the earth. + Pain must through doubt mature their fruit in them, + So will I summon up those spheres of soul + Which they have not the strength to look upon. + +(The souls of Benedictus and Maria appear in the middle of +the region. Benedictus as a figure reproducing in miniature the +configuration of the entire scenery. Below, his robe, becoming broader, +shades into blue-green; around his head is an aura of red, yellow and +blue; the blue blends into the blue-green of the entire robe. Maria +on his right as an angelic figure; yellow shading into gold, without +feet and with bright violet wings.) + +BENEDICTUS' SOUL: + + Thou dost weigh heavy on my cosmic task + With these opaque earth-laden spheres of thine. + 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 thee. + +MARIA: + + He was unknown to thee, when thou didst last + A robe, of earthly matter woven, wear; + Yet doth it still bear fruit in thy soul sheath-- + The sunshine's word of power, with which he fed + Thee kindly in far distant times on earth. + Search out thy nature's deepest impulses + And thou shalt feel him near thee then with power. + +FELIX BALDE'S SOUL: + + Words issue out of circles strange to me, + And yet their tones illuminate me not: + And so they are not fully real to me. + +STRADER'S SOUL: + + On spirit-shores illumination works, + Yet howsoe'er I strive to understand + The sense of these light-forces, they are dumb. + +DAME BALDE'S SOUL: (Figure of a penitent with white coif, like that +of a nun; robe yellow-orange, with silver girdle; she appears quite +close to Maria; on her right and near Felix Balde.) + + Ye souls now summoned up by Lucifer! + The penitent doth hear your voices' tone, + But only sunshine's voice doth give him light; + Its super-splendour doth destroy your voice. + The other can behold your starry light, + But starry writing is to him unknown. + +CAPESIUS' SOUL: + + The starry writing! this word wakens thoughts, + And bears them on the waves of soul to me. + Thoughts which in earth-lives in the distant past + Were to my being wondrously revealed + + They lighten still, yet--as they grow, they fade; + Oblivion sheds its gloomy shade around. + +THE GUARDIAN: (Enter the Guardian of the Threshold, like an angel, +symbolically arrayed and steps to the side of the souls of Maria +and Benedictus.) + + Ye souls who now at Lucifer's demand + Have drawn near the bounds of other souls, + In this domain ye are within my power. + The souls whom ye are seeking seek you too. + Within this cosmic age 'tis not ordained + Their beings shall touch yours within their spheres + Not e'en in thought;--and so do ye beware + Lest to their orbits ye should force your way. + Should ye do this, 'twould harm both them and you. + I should be bound to take away from you + The starry light, and banish you from them + For cosmic ages into other spheres. + +Curtain falls slowly + + + + + + +SCENE 6 + + +A similar scene + +The same characters are still in their places. The lighting is full +of warm shades, but not too bright. Toward the right of stage the +sylphs keep swaying to and fro. In front Philia, Astrid, and Luna. + +CAPESIUS' SOUL: (Standing on the left of stage near the middle.) + + The picture, that in sunshine's hour I saw, + Beamed grace and worked with gentle kindliness; + E'en now within my being it holds sway, + When other wisdom-light illuminates + This spirit-realm with many-coloured rays, + Yet now the picture's influence doth grow. + It bids me draw therefrom, for future times + On earth, that which the soul who stands revealed + Within the picture and hath mighty weight + In mine own sphere, once gave to my sense-life, + Yet doth no powerful current of desire. + Direct me to this soul. + +ROMANUS' SOUL: (A figure showing all the upper part of the body down +to the hips; it has mighty red wings which extend round its head in +such a way as to change into a red aura, running into blue on the +outer edge; it stands on the left of Capesius' soul, whilst close are +the souls of Bellicosus and Torquatus further still to left of stage, +facing audience.) + + Wake in thyself + The picture of the Jew who heard naught else + But hate and ridicule on every side, + Yet truly served the mystic brotherhood + Of which thou wast a member once on earth. + +CAPESIUS' SOUL: + + Thought-pictures now begin to dawn in me, + And seek to seize me in their powerful grasp. + See Simon's image rise from my soul-waves-- + And see, another joins him--some soul-shape-- + A penitent;--would I might keep him far! + +(Referring to Balde, or Joseph Keane in the previous play.) + +ROMANUS' SOUL: + + That which he here must do can but be done + In cosmic sunshine-time; in solitude + And robed in darkness he must wend his way + Whilst Saturn doth light up this spirit-realm. + +CAPESIUS' SOUL: + + How doth this penitent bewilder me! + 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 souls. + +FELIX BALDE'S SOUL: (From the extreme right of stage with hollow +veiled voice.) + + 'Dear Keane, thou hast been ever true to me'-- + +CAPESIUS' SOUL: + + Myself--my very words--from out his mouth + Re-echoed--ringing out--in spirit-realms! + Here is a soul that I must try to meet. + It knows me well,--through it I'll find myself. + +(Capesius' soul disappears; the 'other Philia' comes into view on +the right of stage with Theodora's soul; behind her Dame Balde's soul.) + +ROMANUS' SOUL: + + Two souls do there draw nigh the penitent; + The spirit whom through love souls ever choose + To be their leader goes ahead of them. + The light of meekness pours from one of them + And flows into the other, who appears + To us as penitent. The picture glows + With beauty's light, which here as wisdom lives. + +TORQUATUS' SOUL: (Figure visible as far as the breast, blue aura, +green wings.) + + Desire's reflection dost them but behold + Which I allow to shine from my soul's sheath + Into thy sphere in loyal spirit-troth. + Fate's primal forces have appointed me + To be the means to give thee meekness here. + Thus souls in spirit do serve other souls. + Thy cold hard reason never could attain + Life's gift of sympathy without mine aid. + +BELLICOSUS' SOUL: (Figure visible like that of Torquatus' soul, +but with blue-violet aura and blue-green wings.) + + Make strong thy spirit-ear to understand + What says the soul who rays out meekness' light. + 'Neath Saturn's beam souls can be brought to show + This gleam of noble spirit-blessedness. + +THEODORA'S SOUL: (Angelic figure; white with yellow wings and +blue-yellow aura.) + + My loyal spirit-comrade, pour on him + In softening glow the love that permeates + Thine own soul-sheath, 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 life, + That so their gleaming, glowing life may serve + To strengthen in forthcoming lives on earth + Clairvoyant consciousness in human souls. + +DAME BALDE'S SOUL: (To Felix.) + + Feel me, thou spirit garbed as penitent. + O thou sun-soul, receive the power of stars. + Until thy spirit-sheath doth free itself + From Lucifer's dominion, 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 thee. + +THEODORA'S SOUL: + + Past thoughts of earth arise in glowing light + On yonder shore of souls. A human form. + I saw it when on earth; it follows here; + What once I heard is now re-echoed here; + +(Lucifer appears with the soul of Johannes, who has the appearance of +an angel. His robes rose-coloured with lilac rose-coloured wings. No +feet.) + + 'From out God's being rose the human soul; + It can in death dive down to nature's depths; + In time it will set spirit free from death.' + +THE OTHER PHILIA: + + This sounding living picture-being brings + The force of noble brother-love to us + Which thou didst faithfully display on earth. + I'll change it into soul-power for thy use. + The message I direct unto thy soul + Absorbs the glimm'ring light of shadow-souls, + Who, during earth-life will arouse in thee + The thoughts they brood on through eternity. + And thou, the penitent of spirit-realms, + Direct thy soul-steps onward to the stars; + There nature-spirits long to use thy work + Wherefrom they will beam fantasy to souls + And so will fashion wings for life on earth. + +DAME BALDE'S SOUL: + + I follow thee, dear sister of my soul, + My Philia, who dost weave love from star + To star and from one spirit to the next. + I follow thee aloft to starry worlds, + I take thy words to many cosmic spheres, + And thus by spirit-work build up myself + For mine own future wanderings on earth. + +(Felix Balde's soul disappears slowly, led by Dame Balde's soul; +Theodora stands motionless looking at Johannes' soul, then she also +disappears, as does Lucifer with the soul of Johannes.) + +ROMANUS' SOUL: + + That which we just have witnessed in this place, + How love's word works with the creative word + In closest union, doth arouse in us + Germs we shall need in future lives on earth. + +(The souls of Romanus, Torquatus, and Bellicosus disappear--Benedictus' +soul and Maria's soul appear by the side of the Guardian of the +Threshold, who now enters.) + +THE GUARDIAN: + + Behold the cosmic midnight of yourselves! + I hold you 'neath the spell of ripened light + Which pours on you from Saturn, till your sheaths, + More strongly waking through this same light's power + Become self-luminous, with living hues. + +MARIA'S SOUL: + + Doth cosmic midnight come when souls awake? + It was the moon-time, when the sun declared + The earnest word of Fate, that human souls, + Who see their cosmic midnight hour awake, + See lightnings, which with instantaneous flash + Light up the things that are to be, 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 saw. + Such souls hear too the words of thunder clear + Which dully roll through cosmic fundaments + And threaten soul-illusion as they roll. + +(Lucifer reappears with the Soul of Johannes.) + +BENEDICTUS' SOUL: + + From ever empty fields of ice fate's cry + Doth reach to us from our dear mystic friend. + When we the cosmic midnight can perceive, + We reach the spirit-circle of the soul. + +MARIA'S SOUL: + + The flames draw nigh, they draw nigh with my thought + There from my distant cosmic shore of souls; + A fierce strife doth draw nigh;--'tis mine own thought + Which battles with the thoughts of Lucifer;-- + Mine own thought battles in another's soul,-- + The hot light issues--out of gloomy cold-- + Like lightning flashes. Is this hot soul-light-- + This soul-light--in the cosmic fields of ice? + +LUCIFER: + + The light thou seest--'tis my hot cosmic light-- + See too the lightning flashes of thy thought + Strike from the bounds of Lucifer's domain. + I bring within the focus of thy gaze + The soul so long and closely bound to thee + When thou dost feel thy cosmic midnight hour. + Henceforth thy search must find another way + To come into communion with this soul. + O soul, who to this place hast followed me, + Display and use the forces of the light + Which Saturn on her cosmic midnight pours. + +JOHANNES' SOUL: + + I can feel souls, but have not yet the power + To make their light grow visible in me. + However close they are they generate + Thoughts which but serve to light me from afar. + How can I raise them to mine inner sight? + +PHILIA: + + Thou wilt see them if thou dost swiftly grasp + What they illumine in the cosmic light; + Shouldst thou behold, use well that moment's space; + Light such as this is quickly gone again. + +JOHANNES' SOUL: + + What yonder guide's soul to his pupil speaks,-- + That pupil's soul so near and dear to me,-- + Should now illuminate my soul's domain. + +BENEDICTUS' SOUL: + + Bring forth within this spirit-midnight hour + The will that thou desir'st to feel again + When earthly forces once more clothe thy form. + Thy words shall prove a light to thy friend's soul. + +MARIA'S SOUL: + + Let then my words grow strong in cosmic light, + Which at this cosmic midnight I confide + Unto the soul brought me by Lucifer. + Whatever in mine inmost soul is dear + I will behold it and, beholding, speak, + That it may form itself into a tone, + To which this soul shall answer when on earth, + And, loving it, shall live as it commands. + What now do I see in mine inmost soul? + A lofty counsel in flame-letters writ. + My love for that dear guiding-soul flames out, + Who in mine earth--as in my spirit-life + Hath led me on through each successive age; + Who ever found me when mine instant prayer + Sought help in danger, even when it dwelt + On spirit-heights itself; in dazzling light + This love appears to me; sound out from me, + Thou word of love, unto this other soul. + + What flames are those this word of love doth wake? + They glow so gently, yet their gentle light + Pours forth a sense of lofty dignity; + By wisdom's lightnings, whence a blessing flows, + The cosmic ether is lit up around-- + And bliss comes pouring with attendant joy + O'er all the compass of my soul's domain. + Of thee, Duration, would I crave a boon; + Pour out thyself into this blessedness, + And let my guide and let that other soul + Now dwell therein with me in peacefulness. + +THE GUARDIAN: + + Now let the lightnings vanish into naught + Whose sharp flash brings to view necessities + When souls awake and feel the Cosmic North. + Let thunder also lose its roar, which rolls + In warning at the cosmic midnight hour. + Astrid, to thee I give a strict command: + 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 again, + Then shall it see itself in other guise, + E'en in a picture of an olden time, + And know how strength for lofty spirit-flight + E'en from disaster may the soul's wings gain. + A soul may never wish itself to fall; + Yet, when it falls it must a lesson learn. + +ASTRID: + + The lightning's power and thunder's will I guard + And keep them safe within the cosmic life, + Till Saturn turns toward the soul once more. + +MARIA: + + I feel the blessedness of stars endure, + And in the stream of time I enter it. + I'll live and work within its kindly sway + With this soul-being long since knit to mine. + +LUNA: + + I will protect thy work in spirit here, + That thou mayst reap the fruits in life on earth. + +JOHANNES' SOUL: + + Within my soul's domain--I see this star! + 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 faint,--yet will I list thereto. + +(With the last words appears the spirit of Johannes' youth. Figure +like an angel's; silvery sheen.) + +THE SPIRIT OF JOHANNES' YOUTH: + + I feed with life the being of thy wish, + My breath will pour into thy youthful aims + Enlightening strength, when worlds are tempting thee + Within which I can guide thee joyfully. + If thou shouldst lose me in thyself, I must + Then offer up myself as sacrifice, + A being reft of being, to the shades. + O blossom of my being,--leave me not. + +LUCIFER: + + He never will forsake thee--I behold + Deep in his nature longings after light + Which do not follow up the other soul. + And when the radiance, which is born of them, + Takes root and grows deep down within his soul, + It must bear fruit; nor will he be content + To throw this fruit away in yonder realm + Where love, divorced from beauty, reigns alone. + +Slow curtain + + + + + + +SCENE 7 + + +A temple somewhat Egyptian in appearance. A place of initiation in +the far-distant past in this Earth's third stage of post-Atlantean +civilisation. A conversation between the hierophant, otherwise +Capesius, the keeper of the temple, otherwise Felix Balde or Joseph +Keane and a mystic, otherwise Dame Balde or Dame Keane. + +HIEROPHANT: + + Are all the preparations duly made, + My keeper of the temple, to the end + Our holy rite may serve both gods and men? + +KEEPER: + + So far as human forethought can provide + All hath been well prepared; a holy breath + Hath filled the temple now for many days. + +HIEROPHANT: + + My mystic, as the royal counsellor, + A priest hath been selected unto whom + This very day our secret wisdom's store + Is with all holiness to be revealed. + Hast thou then so prepared him by thy tests + That he is now entirely given o'er + To wisdom set apart from earthly cares, + And shuts his ear to all but spirit-lore? + A different counsellor would do us harm. + +MYSTIC: + + The tests were given as the law ordains, + The masters found them adequate; I think + Our mystic hath but little natural taste + For earthly cares; his soul is set upon + His spirit-progress and development + Of self; in spirit trance he oft is seen. + 'Tis not too much to say he revels in + The union of the spirit with his soul. + +HIEROPHANT: + + Has thou then often seen him in this state? + +MYSTIC: + + In truth he may thus frequently be seen. + His nature doubtless is inclined toward + The temple's service rather than the state's. + +HIEROPHANT: + + It is enough. Now go to thine own place + And see our holy rite is well performed; + +(Exit Mystic.) + + To thee, my keeper, I have more to say. + Thou knowest how I prize thy mystic gifts: + To me thou bearest wisdom far beyond + That which befits thy status in this shrine. + Oft to thy seership have I had recourse + To prove what mine own spirit-sight hath seen. + And so I ask, what confidence hast thou + That this new mystic is for spirit ripe? + +KEEPER: + + Who asks for my opinion? Is my voice + Of any worth? + +HIEROPHANT: + + It aye hath worth for me. + Today again thou shalt stand by my side; + We must most closely watch this holy rite + With inward sight; and, should the 'mystic' prove + E'en in the slightest way unripe as yet + For its high meaning in the spirit life, + I shall refuse him rank as 'counsellor.' + +KEEPER: + + What is it then that now may be revealed + In this new 'mystic' at our holy rite. + +HIEROPHANT: + + I know he is not worthy of the trust + The temple servants seek to give to him. + His human nature is well known to me. + His mystic-sense is not that heartfelt urge + Which stirs in men when light from spirit realms + In kindness draws souls upwards to itself. + Strong passion surges in his being yet; + The craving of his senses is not stilled. + Indeed I would not blame the will divine, + Which e'en in craving and in passion pours + Its wisdom-light o'er evolution's stream. + But when the craving doth conceal itself, + And revel 'neath devotion's mystic mask, + It causeth thought to lie, and makes will false. + The light that weaves the web of spirit-worlds + Can never penetrate unto such souls, + Since passion spreads a mystic fog between. + +KEEPER: + + My hierophant, thy judgment is severe + In dealing with a man who still is young + And inexperienced, 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 path. + +HIEROPHANT: + + I do not judge the man, I judge the deed + That will be wrought here in this holy place. + This holy mystic rite, which we perform, + Hath not importance for ourselves alone. + Fate's stream of cosmic evolution pours + Through word and deed of sacred priestly rites. + What happens here in pictures comes to pass + In everlasting life in spirit-worlds. + But now, good keeper, get thee to thy task; + Thou wilt thyself discover how to lend + Assistance to me in this holy rite. + +(Exit Keeper, right.) + +HIEROPHANT. (alone) + + This youthful mystic will not be to blame, + Who hopes this day to dedicate himself + Unto the wisdom, if in these next hours + A wrong emotion, such as may gush out + Unheeded from his heart, should throw its rays + Upon our sacred rite, 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 life. + The guides and leaders are themselves to blame. + Have they not learned to know the mystic force + Which penetrates in some mysterious way + With spirit every word and sigh of ours; + And ceases not from action even when + The contents of a soul are poured therein + Which hinders cosmic evolution's course? + Instead of this young mystic consciously + Here to the spirit off'ring up himself, + His teachers drag him like a sacrifice + Into the holy precincts, where his soul + Unconsciously he to the spirit yields. + For verily he would not take this road + If he were conscious master of his soul. + Within the circle of our mysteries + The highest hierophant alone doth know + What mystic truths lurk in our sacred forms. + But he is dumb as solitude itself. + Such silence his high dignity commands. + The others gaze uncomprehendingly + When of our ritual's real intent I speak. + + So am I left to bear my cares alone; + Well-nigh unbearable their burden seems + When all the meaning of our ritual + And of our temple is borne in on me. + One thing especially I deeply feel-- + The solitude of this stern spirit-shrine. + Why do I feel so lonely in this place? + The soul must ask this question. When, ah, when + Will to my soul the spirit make reply? + +Curtain falls slowly + + + + + + +SCENE 8 + + +PART I + +Outside the Egyptian temple. An Egyptian woman is seen crouching by +the wall. She is a previous incarnation of Johannes Thomasius. + +EGYPTIAN WOMAN: + + This is the hour in which he dedicates + Himself to serve the ancient holy laws + Of sacred wisdom,--and in doing this + He must forever tear himself from me. + From out those heights of light to which his soul + Progresses there must flash into mine own + The ray of death. When I am torn from him-- + Naught doth remain for me in life on earth + But mourning--resignation--sorrow--death. + +(Clinging to the wall.) + + Yet though in this hour he abandons me + I, none the less, will stay close to the spot + Where he unto the spirit gives himself. + And if mine eyes are not allowed to see + How he doth tear himself away from earth, + Perchance 'twill be now granted in a dream + To linger disembodied by his side. + + + + +PART II + +Inside the temple. The hall of initiation. The ceremony is performed +on a broad flight of steps descending from the back to the front of +the stage. The characters stand in groups below one another and on +different steps. The drop-curtain goes up, disclosing everything in +readiness for the initiation of the Neophyte, who is to be thought +of as an earlier incarnation of Maria; behind the altar and to the +left of it stands the Chief Hierophant who is to be thought of as an +earlier incarnation of Benedictus; on the other side the Recorder, an +earlier incarnation of Hilary True-to-God; a little in front of the +altar the Keeper of the Seals, an earlier incarnation of Theodora; +in front, on the right side of the altar, the Impersonator of the +Earth Element, an earlier incarnation of Romanus, and with him the +Impersonator of the Air Element, an earlier incarnation of Magnus +Bellicosus; quite close to the Chief Hierophant, stands the Hierophant, +an earlier incarnation of Capesius; on the left side of the altar the +Impersonator of the Fire Element, an earlier incarnation of Doctor +Strader, with the Impersonator of the Water Element, an earlier +incarnation of Torquatus. In front of them Philia, Astrid, Luna and +the 'other Philia.' Four other priests stand in front of them. In +front of all Lucifer to the left of altar and Ahriman to the right +in the guise of sphinxes, with the cherub emphasized in the case of +Lucifer and the bull in the case of Ahriman. Dead silence for a while +after the interior of the temple with its grouped mystics has become +visible. The Keeper of the Temple an earlier incarnation of Felix +Balde, and a Mystic, an earlier incarnation of Dame Balde, lead the +Neophyte in through a doorway on the right of stage. They place him +in the inner circle near the altar, and remain standing near him. + +THE KEEPER OF THE TEMPLE: + + From out that web of unreality + Which thou, in error's darkness named'st world, + The mystic hath conducted thee to us. + From being and from naught the world was made + Which to a semblance wove itself for thee. + Semblance is good, by being understood; + Thou didst but dream it in thy sembled life; + And semblance known by semblance disappears. + Learn, semblance of a semblance, what thou art. + +THE MYSTIC: + + Thus speaks the guardian of this temple's door. + Feel in thyself the sore weight of his words. + +THE IMPERSONATOR OF THE EARTH ELEMENT: + + Beneath the weight of earth-life seize upon + The semblance of your being without fear. + That thou mayst sink into the cosmic depths + In darksome cosmic depths thy being seek. + Bind to thy semblance that which thou dost find; + Its weight will give thy being unto thee. + +THE RECORDER: + + Thou wilt not understand, as thou dost sink, + Whereto we lead till thou hast heard his call. + We forge for thee the form of thy real self; + Perceive our work; else must thou lose thyself + As semblance in the cosmic nothingness. + +THE MYSTIC: + + So speaks the guardian of this temple's words. + Feel in thyself the sore weight of his words. + +THE IMPERSONATOR OF THE AIR ELEMENT: + + Fly from the weight of earth-life which would kill + The being of thyself, as thou dost sink. + Fly from it on the lightness of the air. + In light of cosmic space thy being seek. + Bind to thy semblance that which thou dost find; + Its flight will give thy being unto thee. + +THE RECORDER: + + Thou wilt not understand, as thou dost fly, + Whereto we lead, till thou hast heard his call. + We light for thee the life of thy real self; + Perceive our work; else must thou lose thyself + As semblance in the cosmic weightiness. + +THE MYSTIC: + + So speaks the guardian of this temple's words. + Feel in thyself the uplift of his words. + +THE CHIEF HIEROPHANT: + + My son, thou wilt on wisdom's noble road + The mystic's counsel carefully obey. + Thou canst not see the answer in thyself; + For error's darkness still doth weigh thee down + And folly strives in thee for distant things. + Gaze therefore--on this flame which is more close + +(The bright, quivering sacred flame flares up on the altar in the +middle of the stage.) + + To thee than is the life of thine own self, + And read thine answer hidden in its fire. + +THE MYSTIC: + + So speaks the leader of this temple's rites. + Feel in thyself the ritual's holy power. + +THE IMPERSONATOR OF THE FIRE ELEMENT: + + Let all the errors of thine own ideas + Be burned in fire that this rite lights for thee. + Let, with thine errors, thyself also burn. + As flame of cosmic fire thy being seek; + Bind to thy semblance that which thou dost find; + Its fire will give thy being unto thee. + +THE KEEPER OF THE SEALS: + + Thou wilt not understand why to a flame + We fashion thee till thou hast heard his call. + We cleanse for thee the form of thine own self; + Perceive our work; else must thou lose thyself + As formless being in the cosmic sea. + +THE MYSTIC: + + So speaks the guardian of this temple's seals. + Feel in thyself the power of wisdom's light. + +THE IMPERSONATOR OF THE WATER ELEMENT: + + Resist the flame-powers of the world of fire + That they may not devour thy being's might. + From semblance, being will not rise in thee + Unless the wave-beat of the cosmic sea + Can fill thee with the music of the spheres. + As wave in cosmic sea thy being seek; + Bind to thy semblance that which thou dost find; + Its waves will give thy being unto thee. + +THE KEEPER OF THE SEALS: + + Thou wilt not understand why to a wave + We fashion thee till thou hast heard his call. + We build for thee the form of thine own self; + Perceive our work; else must thou lose thyself + A formless being in the cosmic fire. + +THE CHIEF HIEROPHANT: + + My son, by powerful exercise of will + These mystic counsels too thou must obey. + Thou canst not see the answer in thyself; + By cowardly fear thy power is still congealed; + Thou canst not fashion weakness to a wave + That lets thy note ring out amongst the spheres. + So listen to thy soul-powers when they speak; + And thine own voice within their words perceive. + +PHILIA: + + In fire cleanse thou thyself;--and lose thyself + As cosmic wave in music of the spheres. + +ASTRID: + + Build thou thyself in music of the spheres; + In cosmic distances fly light as air. + +LUNA: + + Sink with thy weight of earth to cosmic depths; + Take courage as a self in thy sore weight. + +THE OTHER PHILIA: + + From thine own being draw thyself away; + Unite thyself with elemental might. + +THE MYSTIC: + + Thine own soul speaks thus in these temple halls; + Feel thou therein the guidance of the powers. + +THE CHIEF HIEROPHANT (addressing the Hierophant): + + My brother hierophant, explore this soul, + Which we are to direct to wisdom's path, + Down to its depths; tell us what thou dost find + Its present state of consciousness to be. + +THE HIEROPHANT: + + All hath been done that our rite doth demand. + The soul no more remembers what it was. + The web of semblance, spun on error's loom, + Opposing elements have swept away; + In elemental strife it doth live on; + Naught save its being hath the soul retained. + Now of this being it shall read the life + In cosmic words, that speak from out the flame. + +THE CHIEF HIEROPHANT: + + O human soul, read now what through the flame + The cosmic word declares within thyself. + +(A pause of considerable length ensues, during which the stage +is darkened till only the flame and indistinct outlines of the +characters are visible; at the conclusion of the pause the Chief +Hierophant continues.) + + And now from out the cosmic vision wake! + Declare what can be read from cosmic words! + +(The Neophyte is silent. The Chief Hierophant, much alarmed, +continues): + + He speaks not. Doth the vision leave thee? Speak! + +THE NEOPHYTE: + + Obedient to thy strict and sacred rite + I sank into the being of this flame + To wait the sound of lofty cosmic words. + +(The assembled mystics, the Hierophant excepted, show an +ever-increasing alarm during the speech of the Neophyte.) + + I felt that I could shake off from myself + The weight of earth and be as light as air. + I felt the loving tide of cosmic fire + Did bear me up on streaming spirit-waves. + I saw the body that I wear on earth + As other being stand outside myself. + Though wrapt in bliss, and conscious of the light + Of spirit round me, yet I could regard + Mine earthly sheath with longing and desire. + +(Consternation all around.) + + Spirits rayed light thereon from lofty worlds; + Like shining butterflies there hovered near + The beings who attend its active life; + The body by these beings bathed in light + Reflected sparkling colours manifold; + They shone close by, grew fainter further off, + And then were scattered and dispersed in space. + Within the being of my spirit soul + There lurked the wish that weight of earth should sink + Me down into my sheath, that I might feel + And learn the sense of joy within life's warmth. + So, diving gladly down into my sheath, + I heeded thy stern summons to awake. + +THE CHIEF HIEROPHANT (himself alarmed, to the alarmed mystics): + + This is no spirit-vision; earth's desires + Escaped the mystic and as offering rose + To radiant spirit-heights;--O sacrilege! + +THE RECORDER (angrily to the Hierophant): + + This could not have occurred, hadst thou performed + The office granted thee as hierophant + As ancient holy duty did demand. + +THE HIEROPHANT: + + I did the duty in this solemn hour + Which those from higher realms did lay on me. + I did not think that which it is my place + To think, according to the ritual, + And which, proceeding from me, should appear + In spirit-working in the neophyte. + The young man therefore hath declared to us + None other's thoughts but his own being's self. + The truth hath conquered. Ye may punish me; + I had to do what ye perceived with fear. + I feel the times approach which will set free + The ego from the group-soul and let loose + Its own true individual powers of thought. + What if the youth escapes your mystic path + At present?--Later lives on earth will show + With clearest signs the kind of mystic way + Which destiny hath foreordained for him. + +THE MYSTICS: + + O sacrilege;--thou must atone--and pay-- + +(The sphinxes begin to speak one after the other as Ahriman and +Lucifer; hitherto they have been as motionless as statues; what +they say is heard only by the hierophant, the chief hierophant, and +the neophyte;--the others are full of excitement over the preceding +events.) + +AHRIMAN AS SPHINX: + + For my realm I must lay my hands upon + What here doth wrongly seek the way to light, + And in the darkness further foster it; + That it may bring forth spirit-qualities + Which later on will let it weave itself + With rightful meaning into human life. + But till it gains these spirit-qualities, + What in this holy service did appear + As earthly burden, this will serve my work. + +LUCIFER AS SPHINX: + + For my realm I shall bear away the things + That joy as spirit-wish in semblance here; + 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 weight. + In beauty, semblance into being turns, + Which later shall illuminate the earth, + Descending as the light which flies from here. + +THE CHIEF HIEROPHANT: + + The sphinxes speak--who were but images + E'er since this rite by sages was performed. + Upon dead form the spirit now hath seized. + O Fate, thou dost sound forth as cosmic word! + +(The other mystics, with the exception of the Hierophant and the +Neophyte, are amazed at the words of the Chief Hierophant.) + +THE HIEROPHANT (to the Chief Hierophant): + + This holy mystic rite which we perform + Hath not importance for ourselves alone. + Fate's stream of cosmic evolution pours + Through word and deed of sacred priestly rites. + +The curtain falls on the mental atmosphere set up by the preceding +occurrences + + + + + + +SCENE 9 + + +A study in Hilary's house. A general atmosphere of seriousness pervades +the room. Maria alone in meditation. + +MARIA: + + A starry soul, on yonder spirit-shore, + Draws near,--draws near me clad in spirit-light, + Draws near with mine own self, and as it nears-- + Its radiance gains in power,--and gains in calm. + O star within my spirit-circle, what + Doth thine approach shed on my gazing soul? + +(Astrid appears to right.) + +ASTRID: + + Perceive that which I now can bring to thee; + From cosmic strife 'twixt darkness and the light + I stole thy power of thought; I bring it now + From out its cosmic midnight's wakening + With service true back to thine earthly form. + +MARIA: + + My Astrid, thou hast ever till today + Appeared to me as shining shadow-soul; + What turns thee now to this bright spirit-star? + +ASTRID: + + I kept the lightning's and the thunder's power + For thee, that they might stay within thy soul, + And now thou canst behold them consciously-- + When of the cosmic midnight thou dost think. + +MARIA: + + The cosmic midnight!--ere for this earth-life + My self enclosed me in my body's sheath; + When Saturn's coloured light kept endless watch! + Mine earthly thoughts concealed from me before + This spirit scene in soul-obscurity;-- + Now in soul-clarity it doth emerge. + +ASTRID: + + Thyself in cosmic light didst speak these words: + 'Of thee, Duration, would I crave a boon: + Pour out thyself into this blessedness + And let my guide, and let that other soul + Now dwell with me therein in peacefulness.' + +MARIA: + + Dwell with me also. O thou moment blest, + In which this spirit happening creates + New powers of self. Equip my soul with strength + That thou mayst not pass from me like a dream. + In light which on the cosmic midnight shines, + Which Astrid brings from soul-obscurity, + Mine ego joins that self which fashioned me + To serve its purpose in the cosmic life. + But how, O moment, can I hold thee fast, + So that I do not lose thee when once more + My senses feel earth clearness once again? + Their power is great; and often, if they slay + The spirit-vision, it stays dead e'en when + The self in spirit finds itself again. + +(Immediately after the last words, as if summoned by them, Luna +appears.) + +LUNA: + + Preserve, before the sense-life once again + Makes thee to dream, the power of thine own will + With which this moment hath presented thee. + Think of the words that I myself did speak + When at the cosmic midnight seen by thee. + +MARIA: + + My Luna, from the cosmic midnight thou + Hast brought me hither mine own power of will + To be my prop throughout my life on earth. + +LUNA: + + The Guardian's warning followed thus thy words: + 'Then shalt thou see thyself in other guise, + E'en in a picture of an olden time, + And know how strength for lofty spirit-flight + E'en from disaster may the soul's wings gain. + A soul may never wish itself to fall; + Yet, when it falls it must a lesson learn.' + +MARIA: + + Whereto doth thy word's power now carry me? + A spirit-star on yonder shore of souls! + It gleams, it draweth nigh--in spirit-form; + Draws nigh with mine own self; and, as it nears, + The light grows denser and within the light + Forms darken, taking on their being's shape! + A youthful mystic, and a sacred flame, + The stern call of the highest hierophant + To tell the vision seen within the flame! + + The group of mystics overcome with fear + At that young mystic's self-acknowledgment. + +(The Guardian of the Threshold appears while the latter sentences +are being uttered.) + +THE GUARDIAN: + + Hear once again within thy spirit-ear + The stern call of the highest hierophant. + +MARIA: + + 'O human soul, read now what through the flame + +(Benedictus appears.) + + The cosmic word declares within thyself.' + Who spoke the words my thought brings back to me, + Recalling them from waters of the soul? + +BENEDICTUS: + + With mine own words thou callest me to thee. + When in times past I uttered this command, + It did not find thee ready to respond. + And so it stayed in evolution's womb; + The course of time hath lent new force thereto + Which flowed therein from out thine own soul's life; + And so it wrought in later lives on earth + In thy soul's depths although thou knewest it not. + It let thee find me as thy guide again; + By conscious thought it now transforms itself + Into a powerful motive in thy life. + 'This holy mystic rite, which we perform, + Hath not importance for ourselves alone; + Fate's stream of cosmic evolution pours + Through word and deed of sacred priestly rites.' + +MARIA: + + Thou didst not speak this word within that place. + The hierophant did speak, who used to be + Thy colleague in that ancient mystic band. + He knew e'en then that powers of destiny + Foresaw the ending of this mystic band. + 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 arise. + So he forbore to send the powerful thought + Which he should have directed to my soul. + The cosmic spirit's instrument was he + At that initiation, during which + He heard the whispering stream of cosmic life. + He spoke a word from out his inmost soul + 'One thing especially I deeply feel: + The solitude of this stern spirit-shrine. + Why do I feel so lonely in this place?' + +BENEDICTUS: + + In his soul there was planted even then + The germ of solitude, which later on + Matured to soul-fruit in the womb of time. + This fruit Capesius as mystic now + Must taste, and so must follow Felix' steps. + +MARIA: + + That woman, too, who near the temple stayed, + I see her as she was in olden time, + But not yet can my vision penetrate + To where she is; how can I find her then + When sense-life causeth me to dream again? + +THE GUARDIAN: + + Thou wilt discover her when thou dost see + That being in the realm of souls whom she + Doth count a shade amongst the other shades. + She seeks to reach it with strong power of soul. + She will not free it from the world of shades + Till in her present body, through thine aid, + She hath beheld her long past life on earth. + +MARIA: + + Like some soul-star my highest guardian glides, + In glowing light toward my shore of souls;-- + His light spreads peace, far round the wide flung space;-- + His light hath grandeur;--and his dignity + Makes strong my being in its inmost depths; + In this peace will I now submerge myself;-- + I feel before that through it I shall find + My way to fullest spirit-wakefulness. + And ye, too, messengers into my soul-- + I'll keep within myself as beacon-lights. + Upon thee, Astrid, will I call when thought + Would from soul-clearness fain withdraw itself. + And thee, O Luna, may my prayer then find + When will-power slumbers deep in my soul depths. + +The curtain falls while Maria, Astrid, and Luna are still in the room + + + + + + +SCENE 10 + + +The same. Johannes alone in meditation. + +JOHANNES: + + 'This is the hour in which he dedicates + Himself to serve the ancient holy laws + Of sacred wisdom;--in a dream perchance + I may in spirit linger at his side.' + Thus near the temple spake in ancient times + The woman whom my spirit-vision sees; + By thoughts of her I feel my strength increased. + What is this picture's purpose? Why doth it + Hold my attention spellbound? Certainly + No sympathy from out the picture's self + Accounts for this, for, should I see the scene + In earthly life, I should consider it + Of no importance. What saith it to me? + +(As if from afar the voice of 'the other Philia.') + +THE OTHER PHILIA: + + The magical web + That forms their own self. + +JOHANNES: + + And clairvoyant dreams + Make clear unto souls + The magical web + That forms their own self. + +(While Johannes is speaking these lines 'the other Philia' approaches +him.) + +JOHANNES: + + Who art thou, magic spirit-counsellor? + True counsel didst thou bring unto my soul + But didst deceive me over thine own self. + +THE OTHER PHILIA: + + Johannes, thine own being's double form + From thyself didst thou fashion. 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 life. + +JOHANNES: + + This is the third time that thou speakest thus; + I will obey thee. Point me out the way! + +THE OTHER PHILIA: + + Johannes, whilst thou liv'st in spirit-light, + Seek what is treasured up within thy Self. + From its own light it will shed light on thee. + Thus canst thou learn by looking in thyself + How to wipe out thy fault in later lives. + +JOHANNES: + + How shall I, while I live in spirit-light, + Seek what is treasured up within my Self? + +THE OTHER PHILIA: + + Give me that which thou thinkest that thou art; + Lose thou thyself in me a little while, + Yet so that thou dost not another seem. + +JOHANNES: + + How can I give myself to thee before + I have beheld thee as thou really art? + +THE OTHER PHILIA: + + I am within thee, member of thy soul; + The force of love within thee is myself; + The heart's hope, as it stirs within thy breast, + The fruits of long-past lives upon this earth + Laid up for thee and hid within thyself, + Behold them now through me;--feel what I am, + And through my power in thee behold thyself. + Search out the pictured being, which thy sight, + Without thy sympathy, did form for thee. + +(Exit.) + +JOHANNES: + + O spirit-counsellor, I can indeed + Feel thee in me, yet I see thee no more. + Where livest thou for me? + +(As if from afar the call of 'the other Philia.') + +THE OTHER PHILIA: + + The magical web + That forms their own self. + +JOHANNES: + + 'The magical web + That forms their own self.' + O magical web, that forms mine own self, + Show me the pictured being which my sight + Without my sympathy did form for me. + + Whereto doth this word's power conduct me now? + A spirit-star on yonder shore of souls-- + It shines,--it draweth nigh--as spirit-form, + Grows brighter as it nears;--now forms appear;-- + They act as beings act who are alive;-- + A youthful mystic--and a sacred flame, + The stern call of the highest hierophant + To tell the vision seen within the flame. + + That woman doth the youthful mystic seek, + Whom my sight saw without my sympathy. + +(Maria appears as a thought-form of Johannes.) + +MARIA: + + Who thought of thee before the sacred flame? + Who felt thee near initiation's shrine? + + Johannes, wouldst thou tear thy spirit-shade + From out the magic kingdoms of the soul; + Live then the aims that it will show to thee; + The path on which thou seek'st will guide thy steps, + But thou must first discover it aright. + The woman near the temple shows it thee + If she lives powerfully within thy thought. + Spellbound amongst shade-spirits doth she strive + To draw nigh to that other shade who now + Through thee doth evil service to grim shades. + +(The Spirit of Johannes' Youth appears.) + +THE SPIRIT OF JOHANNES' YOUTH: + + 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 gate. + But thou must first this spirit truly see + At whose side I have now appeared to thee. + +MARIA: + + Maria, as thou wouldst behold her, lives + In other worlds than those where truth abides. + My holy earnest vow doth ray out strength + Which shall keep for thee that which thou hast gained. + In these clear fields of light me shalt thou find + Where radiant beauty life-power doth create; + Seek me in cosmic fundaments, where souls + Fight to recover their divine estate + Through love, which in the whole beholds the self. + +(While Maria is speaking the last lines, Lucifer appears.) + +LUCIFER: + + So work, compelling powers; + Act therefore, powers of might, + Ye elemental sprites, + Feel now your master's power, + 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 desires, + Whate'er obeys my will. + +(Enter Benedictus.) + +BENEDICTUS: + + Maria's holy earnest vow doth pour + Now through his soul salvation's healing ray. + He will admire thee, but he will not fall. + +LUCIFER: + + I mean to fight. + +BENEDICTUS: + + And, fighting serve the gods. + +Curtain + + + + + + +SCENE 11 + + +The same. Enter Benedictus and Strader. + +STRADER: + + Thou didst speak gravely, and Maria spoke + Right harshly to me also, when ye two + Showed yourselves to me at my life's abyss. + +BENEDICTUS: + + Thou know'st those pictures have no proper life; + Their content only, strives to make its way + Into the soul, and takes pictorial form. + +STRADER: + + Yet it was hard to hear these pictures say: + 'Where is thy light? Thou rayest darkness out, + Midst light thou dost create the baffling gloom.' + So spake the spirit through Maria's form. + +BENEDICTUS: + + Because in thine ascent thou hadst attained + To higher levels on the spirit-path. + The spirit, which had led thee to itself, + Used darkness as a symbol to depict + The state of knowledge which was thine before. + This spirit chose to use Maria's form + Because thy soul itself so fashioned it. + The spirit, my dear Strader, at this hour + Works mightily within thee and will lead + Thee with swift flight to lofty grades of soul. + +STRADER: + + And yet these words still terrify my soul: + 'Because thou art afraid to ray out light.' + The spirit spake this also in that scene. + +BENEDICTUS: + + The spirit had to call thy soul afraid + Because in thee those things were fearfulness + Which would, in lesser souls, be bravery. + As we advance, our former bravery + Turns into fear which must be overcome. + +STRADER: + + Oh! how these words do pierce me to the heart! + Romanus lately told me of his plan: + I was to carry out the work myself + Not as thy partner but without thine aid. + In this event, he was prepared to use + All that he had to succour Hilary. + When I declared that I could ne'er consent + To separate the work from out thy group, + He answered that in that case it would be + In vain to make more effort. He it is + Who backs the opposition to my work, + Which Hilary's companion offereth. + Without these plans my life must worthless seem. + Since these two men have torn away from me + My field of action, all that I can see + Ahead is life reft of the breath of life. + In order that my spirit may not show + Discouragement I need that bravery + Of which thou spak'st just now. But whether I + Shall find my strength sufficient for the task + Is more than I can say, for I can feel + How that same force which I must needs set free + Will likewise work on me distinctively. + +BENEDICTUS: + + Maria and Johannes have just made + Advances in clairvoyance; and the things + Which hindered them from bridging o'er the gap + Between the mystic life and world of sense + Are no more there, and in the course of time + Aims will appear in which both thou and they + Can take part jointly. 'Tis not guidance, but + Creative strength that flows from mystic words: + 'For that which must will surely come to pass.' + And so in wakefulness we must await + The way in which the spirit sends the signs. + +STRADER: + + A vision came to me not long ago + Which I must hold to be a sign from fate. + I was aboard a ship, thou at the helm, + The labouring oars were under my command; + And we were bearing to their place of work + Maria and Johannes; there appeared + Another ship quite close to us; on board + Romanus and the friend of Hilary-- + They lay across our course as enemies. + I battled with them;--as the fight went on + Lo! Ahriman stood by their side to help. + While I was bitterly engaged with him + Came Theodora to my side, in aid, + And then the vision vanished from my sight. + 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 upright. + Suppose that picture now should show to me + That outward opposition doth imply + An inward fight--a fight with Ahriman; + Am I well armoured also for this fight? + +BENEDICTUS: + + My friend, I can behold in thine own soul + This picture is not fully ripe as yet. + I feel thou canst make stronger still the power + Which showed this picture to thy spirit's eye. + 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 strength. + This can I feel;--how it shall be fulfilled + Remains a secret hidden from my sight. + +Curtain + + + + + + +SCENE 12 + + +The interior of the earth. Enormous crystal formations, with streams +like lava breaking through them. The whole scene is faintly luminous, +transparent in some parts, and with the light shining through from +behind in others. Above are red flames which appear to be being +pressed downward from the roof. (One hand of Ahriman is a claw and +he has a cloven hoof. This is to show the audience that his identity +as the Devil is being discovered. Fox has a cloven hoof.) + +AHRIMAN (at first alone): + + Now living matter falleth from above + Which I must use. It is the stuff whereof + Are demons made, and it is flowing free + Within the world of form. A man doth strive + To tear from out his being utterly + The spirit-substance he received from me. + My influence hath been till now quite good, + 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 hour. + O'er him hath Lucifer his influence cast: + So that Maria and Johannes could + Release themselves from out his sphere of light. + Henceforth to Strader I must closely cling. + Once he is mine I'll catch the others too. + Johannes wore himself quite dull and blunt + Against my shadow;--now he knows me well. + Through Strader only can I get at him. + And in Maria's case it is the same; + Yet Strader will perhaps not recognize + The spirit-tangle, which to human eyes + Appears as nature, is in fact naught else + Than mine own personal spirit-property. + And so he may conceive that energy + And matter blindly struggle there where I, + Denying spirit, fashion spirit-things. + 'Tis true the rest have talked to him a lot + About my being and about my realm; + And yet, methinks, I have not lost him quite. + He will forget that Benedictus sent + Him hither unto me, but half-awake, + That his belief may be dispelled that I + Am but a woven thought in human brains. + Yet I shall need some earthly help if I + Must bring him here before it is too late. + Now therefore I will call upon a soul + Which in its cleverness considers me + To be naught else than some dull foolish clown. + He serves me on and off, when I have need. + +(Ahriman goes off and returns with the soul of Fox, whose figure is +a sort of copy of his own. On entering he takes a bandage from the +eyes of this person representing the soul.) + +AHRIMAN: (Aside) + + Earth-knowledge he must leave here at the door. + For he must never understand the things + Which here he learns, since he is honest still; + No effort would he make, if he once knew + The purpose with which I now influence him. + He must be able later to forget. + +(To Fox) + + Dost thou know doctor Strader, who serves me? + +THE SOUL OF FOX: + + He drifts about upon the star of Earth; + He would build learned prattle into life; + And yet each wind of life will knock him down. + He listens eagerly to mystic prigs, + And is already stifled by their fog; + He now doth try to blind poor Hilary, + Whose friend, however, keeps him well in hand, + Since all these braggart spirit-whisperings + Would otherwise his business quite destroy. + +AHRIMAN: (Aside) + + Such talk as this is not what I require. + I now have need of Strader--whilst this man + Can still have perfect faith in his own self; + Then Benedictus far too easily + Will make his wisdom known amongst mankind. + The friend of Hilary might be of use + To Lucifer; I must act otherwise-- + Through Strader I must Benedictus harm. + For he and all his pupils can achieve + Nothing at all, hath he not Strader's aid. + Mine enemies of course still have their powers, + And after Strader's death he will be theirs. + But if while still on earth his soul can be + Deceived about itself, my gain will be + That Benedictus can no longer use + Him as the leader of his coach's team. + Now in fate's book I have already read + That Strader's span of life is nearly run. + But Benedictus can not yet see this. + My trusty knave, too crafty is thy wit, + Who takest me for some dull foolish clown. + +(To Fox) + + So well thou reasonest that men attend. + Go therefore and see Strader very soon + Tell him that his machine is ill-contrived; + That 'tis not only unpropitious times + That check fulfilment of his promises; + But that his reasoning also is at fault. + +THE SOUL OF FOX: + + For such a mission am I well equipped. + For some time past I have done nothing else + But think how I can unto Strader prove + How full of error his ambitions are. + 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 acts. + And Strader's case is surely pitiable; + Had such a man as he shunned mystic snobs, + And made fit use of his fine intellect, + His great endowments surely would have borne + Much fruit and profit for humanity. + +AHRIMAN: + + Now see to it that thou art shrewdly armed. + This is thy task: Thou art to undermine + The confidence of Strader in himself. + No longer then will he desire to work + With Benedictus, who must henceforth rest + Upon himself and his own arguments. + But these are not so pleasing to mankind, + Who will be more opposed to them on earth + The more their inmost nature is disclosed. + +THE SOUL OF FOX: + + I see already how I shall begin + To show to Strader where his thought hath failed. + There is a flaw within his new machine, + Though he cannot perceive it of himself. + A veil of mystic darkness hinders him. + But I, with my clear common sense, shall be + Of much more use to him than mystic dreams. + This for a long while hath been my desire; + Yet knew I not how to accomplish it. + At length a light is thrown athwart my path. + Now must I think of all the arguments + Which will make Strader realize the truth. + +(Ahriman leads out Fox's soul and again blindfolds the individual +portraying the soul before he is allowed to depart.) + +AHRIMAN (alone): + + He will be of great service unto me. + The mystic light on earth doth burn me sore; + I must work further there, but must not let + The mystics unto men my work reveal. + +(Theodora's soul appears.) + +THEODORA'S SOUL: + + Thou mayest Strader reach; but none the less + I shall be by his side; and since we were + United on the radiant path of souls, + We shall remain united wheresoe'er + He dwells on earth or in the spirit-realms. + +AHRIMAN: + + If she indeed forsakes him not, the while + He still doth dwell on earth, I stand to lose + My battle; yet I shall not cease to hope + That he may yet forget her 'ere the end. + +Curtain + + + + + + +SCENE 13 + + +A large reception room in Hilary's house. As the curtain rises Hilary +and Romanus are in conversation. + +HILARY: + + I must with grief confess to thee, dear friend, + That this fate's tangle, which is forming here + Within our circle, well-nigh crusheth me. + On what can one rely, when nothing holds? + The friends of Benedictus are by thee + Kept far from our endeavours; Strader, too, + Is torn by bitter agonies of doubt. + A man who, full of shrewdness and of hate, + Hath oft opposed the mystic life and aims, + Hath pointed out grave errors in his plans + And shewn that his invention cannot work, + And is not only stopped by outward checks. + Life hath not brought me any ripened fruit; + I longed for perfect deeds. And yet the thoughts + That bring deeds unto ripeness never came. + My soul was ever plagued by loneliness. + By spirit-sight alone was I upborne. + And yet;--in Strader's case I was deceived. + +ROMANUS: + + 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 mistakes; + 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 light. + Too blindly hast thou trusted spirit-sight; + And so as error it appears to thee + When it doth surely lead thee to the truth. + In Strader's case thy sight was true, despite + The things that super-clever men hath shown. + +HILARY: + + Thy faith still doth not waver, and thou hast + The same opinion now of Strader's work? + +ROMANUS: + + The reasons whereon I did build it up + Have naught to do with Strader's friends at all + And still are valid, whether his machine + Prove itself true or faulty in design. + Supposing he hath made an error; well, + A man through error finds the way to truth. + +HILARY: + + The failure then doth not affect thee--thee + To whom life hath brought nothing but success? + +ROMANUS: + + Those who do not fear failure will succeed. + It only needs an understanding eye + To see what bearing mysticism has + Upon our case, and forthwith there appears + The view that we should take of Strader's work. + He will come off victorious in the fight + Which flings the spirit-portals open wide; + Undaunted by the watchman will he stride + Across the threshold of the spirit-land. + My soul hath deeply realized the words + Which that stern Guardian of the threshold spoke. + I feel him even now at Strader's side. + Whether he sees him, or toward him goes + Unknowing, this indeed I cannot say; + But I believe that I know Strader well. + He will courageously make up his mind + That self-enlightenment must come through pain; + The will will ever bear him company + Who bravely goes to meet what lies before, + And, fortified by Hope's strength-giving stream, + Doth boldly face the pain which knowledge brings. + +HILARY: + + My friend, I thank thee for these mystic words. + Oft have I heard them; now for the first time + I feel the secret meaning they enfold. + The cosmic ways are hard to comprehend-- + My portion, my dear friend, it is to wait + Until the spirit points me out the way + Which is appropriate unto my sight. + +(Exeunt left.) + +(Enter Capesius and Felix Balde, shown in by the Secretary, on right.) + +SECRETARY: + + I think that Benedictus will return + Sometime today from off his journey; but + He is not here at present; if thou com'st + Again tomorrow thou shouldst find him here. + +FELIX BALDE: + + Can we then have a talk with Hilary? + +SECRETARY: + + I'll go and ask him now to come to you. + +(Exit.) + +FELIX BALDE: + + A vision of deep import hast thou seen. + Couldst thou not tell it to me o'er again? + One cannot apprehend such things aright + Till they are fully grasped by spirit-sight. + +CAPESIUS: + + It came this morning, when I thought myself + Wrapt in the stillness of the mystic trance. + My senses slept, and with them memory. + To spirit things alone was I alive. + At first I saw naught but familiar sights. + Then Strader's soul came clearly into view + Before mine inner eye, and for a while + Stood silent, so that I had ample time + To make sure I was consciously awake. + But soon I also heard him clearly say + 'Abandon not the real true mystic mood,' + As if the sound came from his inmost soul. + He then continued, with sharp emphasis: + 'To strive for naught; but just to live in peace: + Expectancy the soul's whole inner life, + Such is the mystic mood. And of itself + It wakes, unsought amid the stream of life, + Whene'er a human soul is rightly strong + And seeks the spirit with all-powerful thought. + This mood comes often in our stillest hours + Yet also in the heat of action; then + It cometh lest the soul may thoughtless lose + The tender sight of spirit-happenings.' + +FELIX BALDE: + + Like to the very echo of my words + This utt'rance sounds,--yet not quite what I meant. + +CAPESIUS: + + On close consideration one might find + The opposite of thine own words therein,-- + 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 enterprise. + If this thou wouldst through mysticism seek + Mystic illusion will destroy thy life.' + +FELIX BALDE: + + This can be nothing else than words of mine + By Strader's spirit-views transformed; in thee + They echo as a grievous mystic fault. + +CAPESIUS: + + Moreover Strader's final words were these: + 'A man can not attain the spirit-world + By seeking to unlock the gates himself. + Truth doth not sound within the soul of him + Who only seeks a mood for many years.' + +(Philia appears, perceptible only to Capesius; Felix Balde shows that +he does not comprehend what follows.) + +PHILIA: + + Capesius, if soon thou markest well + What in thy seeking comes to thee unsought, + 'Twill strengthen thee with many-coloured light; + In pictured being it will pierce thee through + Since thy soul-forces show it unto thee. + That which thy self's sun-nature rays on thee + By Saturn's ripened wisdom will be dulled; + Then to thy vision will there be disclosed + That which in earth-life thou canst comprehend. + Then I will lead thee to the guardian + Who on the spirit-threshold keeps his watch. + +FELIX BALDE: + + From circles which I know not issue words. + Their sound awakes no being full of light + And so they are not fully real to me. + +CAPESIUS: + + 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 earth, + Can find within the circuit of my life. + +Curtain + + + + + + +SCENE 14 + + +The same. Hilary's wife in conversation with the Manager. + +HILARY'S WIFE: + + That fate itself doth not desire the deed + Which yet my husband thinks imperative, + Seems likely when one views the tangled threads + This power doth weave to form the knot in life, + Which holds us here in its compelling bonds. + +MANAGER: + + A knot of fate indeed, which truly seems + Unable to be loosed by human sense-- + And so, I take it, it must needs be cut. + + I see no other possibility + Than that the strand which links thy husband's life + To mine must now at last be cut in twain. + +HILARY'S WIFE: + + What! Part from thee!--My husband never will. + 'Twould go against the spirit of the house + Which by his own dear father was inspired + And which the son will faithfully uphold. + +MANAGER: + + But hath he not already broken faith? + The aims that Hilary hath now in view + Can surely not be found along the road + His father's spirit ever walked upon. + +HILARY'S WIFE: + + My husband's happiness in life now hangs + On the successful issue of these aims. + I saw the transformation of his soul + As soon as, like a lightning flash, the thought + Illumined him. He had found hitherto + Nothing in life but sad soul-loneliness, + A feeling which he was at pains to hide + E'en from the circle of his closest friends + But which consumed him inwardly the more. + 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 life. + But when this plan of mystic enterprise + Then stood before his soul, he grew quite young, + He was another man, a happy man; + This aim first gave to him a worth in life. + That thou couldst ere oppose him in this work + Was inconceivable till it occurred. + He felt the blow more keenly than aught else + That in his life hath yet befallen him. + Couldst thou but know the pain that thou hast caused, + Thou wouldst not surely be so harsh with him. + +MANAGER: + + I feel as if my manhood would be lost + If I should set myself to go against + Mine own convictions.--I shall find it hard + To do my work with Strader at my side. + Yet I decided I would bear this load + To help Romanus, whom I understand + Since he concerning Strader spake with me. + What he explained became the starting-point + For me of mine own spirit-pupilship. + There was a power that flamed forth from his words + And entered actively within my soul; + I never yet had felt it so before. + His counsel is most precious, though as yet + I cannot understand and follow it; + Romanus only cares for Strader now; + He thinks the other mystics by their share + Not only are a hindrance to the work + But also are a danger to themselves. + For his opinion I have such regard + That I must now believe the following: + If Strader cannot find a way to work + Without his friends, 'twill be a sign of fate. + A sign that with these friends he must abide, + And only later fashion faculties, + Through mystic striving for some outward work. + The fact that recently he hath become + More closely knit to them than formerly, + Despite a slight estrangement for a while, + Makes me believe that he will find his way, + Lies in this state of things, though it involves + A failure, for the present, of his aims. + +HILARY'S WIFE: + + Thou see'st the man with only that much sight + With which Romanus hath entrusted thee, + Thou shouldst gaze on him with unbiased eye. + He can so steep himself in spirit-life + That he appears quite sundered from the earth. + Then spirit forms his whole environment + And Theodora liveth then for him. + In speaking with him it appears as if + She too were present. Many mystics can + Express the spirit-message in such words + As bring conviction after careful thought; + But Strader's very speech hath this same power. + One sees that he sets little store upon + Mere inward spirit-life that is content + With feelings only; the explorer's zeal + Doth ever prove his guide in mystic life. + And so his mystic aims do not destroy + His sense for scientific schemes which seem + Both practical and useful for this life. + Try to perceive this faculty in him, + And through him also learn another thing, + How one's own personal judgment of one's friends + Is of more value than another man's + Such as Romanus hath acquired of him. + +MANAGER: + + In such a case as this, so far removed + From all the vista of my usual thought, + The judgment of Romanus seems to me + Some solid ground to stand on. If, myself, + I enter realms to mysticism near, + 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 comprehend. + +(Enter the Secretary.) + + You seem upset, my friend; what hath occurred? + +SECRETARY (hesitatingly): + + Good doctor Strader died a few hours since. + +MANAGER: + + Died?--Strader? + +HILARY'S WIFE: + + What. Not Strader dead?--Where now + Is Hilary? + +SECRETARY: + + He is in his own room. + He seemed quite stricken when the messenger + First brought the news to him from Strader's house. + +(Exit Hilary's wife, followed by the Secretary.) + +MANAGER (alone): + + Dead--Strader!--Can this really be the truth? + + The spirit-sleep of which I heard so much + Now toucheth me.--The fate which here doth guide + The threads of life wears now a serious face. + O little soul of mine, what mighty hand + Hath now laid hold upon thy thread of fate, + And given it a part within this knot. + + 'But that which must will surely come to pass!' + Why is it that these words have never left + My mind since Strader spake them long ago + When talking with myself and Hilary?-- + As if they reached him from another world + So did they sound;--he spake as if entranced;-- + What is to come to pass?--Right well I know + The spirit-world laid hands upon me then. + Within those words there sounds the spirit-speech-- + Sounds earnest--; how can I its weaving learn? + +Curtain + + + + + + +SCENE 15 + + +The same. Doctor Strader's nurse is sitting there waiting. Enter +the Secretary. + +SECRETARY: + + Soon Benedictus will, I hope, appear + And hear himself the message thou dost bring: + He went a journey and hath just returned. + A great man surely doctor Strader was. + At first I did not have much confidence + In Hilary's tremendous plan of work; + But, as I frequently was in the room + Whilst Strader was engaged in showing him + What further needs his plan of work involved, + All my objections swiftly lost their force. + Aye full of spirit, with the keenest sense + For all things possible and purposeful, + He yet was ever heedful that the end + Should issue reasonably from the work; + Ne'er would he anything for granted take. + He held himself quite as a mystic should; + 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 advance. + +NURSE: + + A man of lofty spirit and great gifts + Thou knewest hard at work in active life. + I, in the short time it was given me + To render earth's last services to him + Learned to admire his loftiness of soul. + A sweet soul, that, except for seven years + Of utmost bliss, walked aye through life alone. + Their wisdom mystics offered him,--but love + Was all his need;--his lust for outward deeds + Was naught but--love, which sought for many forms + Of life in which to manifest itself. + That which this soul sought on the mystic path + Was needful to its being's noble fire, + As sleep is to the body after toil. + +SECRETARY: + + In him the mystic wisdom was the source + Of outward deeds as well; for all his work + Was ever fully steeped in its ideals. + +NURSE: + + Because in him love was a natural law, + And he had to unite himself in soul + With all the aspirations of his life; + 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 poured. + +SECRETARY: + + He lived in spirit with full consciousness: + And Theodora was with him as aye + She was in life--true mystic souls feel thus. + +NURSE: + + Because his loneliness knit him to her, + She stood before him still in death. By her + He felt that he was called to spirit-worlds + To finish there his incompleted task. + For Benedictus just before his death + He wrote a message which I now have come + To give into the mystic leader's hands. + So must the life of this our time on earth + Unfold itself yet further, full of doubt;-- + But brightened by sun-beings such as he, + From whom a wider number may receive, + Like planets, light-rays which awaken life. + +(Enter Benedictus left. Exit Secretary right.) + +NURSE: + + Before his strength departed, Strader wrote + These few lines for thee. I have come to bring + His message to his faithful mystic friend. + +BENEDICTUS: + + And as he set this message down for me + What were the themes that his soul dwelt upon? + +NURSE: + + At first the latest of his plans in life + Lived in his thought; then Theodora came + To join him in the spirit; feeling this + His soul did gently leave its body's sheath. + +BENEDICTUS: + + My thanks to thee, thou faithful soul, for all + Thy services to him whilst yet on earth. + +(Exit nurse. Benedictus reads Strader's last words.) + +BENEDICTUS: (reading) + + 'My friend, when I perceived my strength was spent + And saw that opposition to my work + Did not alone from outward sources rise, + But that the inner flaws of my own thought + Were obstacles to check my plan's success, + Once more I saw that vision which I told + Not long ago to thee. But yet this time + The vision ended otherwise. No more + Was Ahriman my foe; a spirit stood + There, in his stead, whom I could clearly feel + To represent my own erroneous thought. + And then did I remember thine own words + About the strengthening mine own soul's powers. + But thereupon the spirit disappeared.'-- + There are a few more words,--but I cannot + Decipher them--a chaos covers them + By weaving in a veil of active thought. + +(Ahriman appears; Benedictus sees him.) + +(There is no longer any illusion about Ahriman. His form is much more +inhuman; his right arm is bone, his right hand a claw, and he has a +cloven hoof.) + +BENEDICTUS: + + Who art thou, who dost take a shadowed life, + From out my chaos, in the soul's domain? + +AHRIMAN (aside): + + He sees me, but as yet he knows me not. + And so he will not cause me fearful pain + If I should try to labour by his side. + +(To Benedictus.) + + I can declare to thee what Strader means + To tell thee further for thy personal good. + And also for thy pupil's mystic path. + +BENEDICTUS: + + My mystic group will always know itself + To be in touch with Strader's soul, although + The life of sense no longer forms a bridge. + But when a spirit-messenger draws near + And manifests to us from his own worlds, + Then he must needs first win our confidence. + This he can only do if he appears + Without disguise unto our spirit-gaze. + +AHRIMAN: + + Thou art but striving for self-consciousness: + So stranger spirit-beings, who might wish + To render thee a service, are compelled + To show themselves as parts of thine own self, + If they may only help thee undisguised. + +BENEDICTUS: + + Whoe'er thou art 'tis sure thou only canst + Serve Good when thou dost strive not for thyself, + When thou dost lose thyself in human thought + To rise newborn within the cosmic life. + +AHRIMAN: (aside) + + Now is it time for me to haste away + From his environment, for whensoe'er + His sight can think me as I really am, + He will commence to fashion in his thought + Part of the power which slowly killeth me. + +(Ahriman disappears.) + +BENEDICTUS: + + Now only do I see 'tis Ahriman, + Who flees himself, but fashions out of thought + A knowledge of his being in myself. + His aim is to confuse the thought of man + Because therein, misled by error old, + He seeks the source of all his sufferings. + As yet he knows not that the only way + For him to find release in future is + To find himself reflected in this thought. + And so he shows himself to men indeed, + But not as he doth feel he is in truth. + Himself revealing, and concealing too, + He sought to utilize in his own way + A favourable hour in Strader's case. + Through him he hoped to strike his friends as well; + But he will not be able to conceal + His nature from my mystic pupils now. + He shall be present in their waking thought + If he holds sway within their inner sight. + So shall they learn to know his many forms, + Which would disguise him whensoe'er he must + Reveal himself unto the souls of men. + But thou, sun-ripened soul of Strader, thou + Who by the strengthening of thy spirit-powers + Didst drive the Lord of Error into flight + Thou shalt, as spirit-star, shine on thy friends. + Thy light shall henceforth ever penetrate + Into Maria's and Johannes' selves; + Through thee will they be able to equip + Themselves more strongly for their spirit-work, + That so they may with powerful thought reveal + Themselves as proof of soul-enlightenment, + E'en at such times as dusky Ahriman, + By clouding wisdom, seeks to spread the night + Of Chaos o'er full-wakened spirit-sight. + +Curtain + + + + + + + + + +NOTES + + +[1] Note.--Very solemn and slow. + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Four Mystery Plays, by Rudolf Steiner + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 59191 *** |