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: