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: