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):