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: