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: