In Lucifer's kingdom. A space which is not enclosed by artificial walls, but by fantastic forms which resemble plants, animals, etc. All in various brilliant shades of red. In the background are arranged three transparencies showing the top of Raphael's 'Disputa,' Leonardo's 'Last Supper,' and Raphael's 'School of Athens.' These are illuminated from the back of the stage whenever Maria or Benedictus challenges Lucifer. At other times they are invisible. On the right, Lucifer's throne. At first only the souls of Capesius and Maria are present. After a time Lucifer appears, and later on Benedictus and Thomasius, with his etheric counterpart or 'double,' and lastly, Theodora. MARIA: Thou, who within the realm of sense art named Capesius, I wonder why it is Thou art the being whom I meet the first In Lucifer's domain: 'tis dangerous When spirits of this place blow round one's head. CAPESIUS (in astral garb): O speak not to me of Capesius Who in the kingdom of the Earth erewhile Strove through a life which he hath long since known Was but a dream. Whilst there be bent his mind Upon such things as ever come to pass As time streams on. And he had set himself In that way to discover all the powers Through which mankind fulfils its spirit-life. What thus he came to know about those powers He tried to keep deep fastened in his soul. Now only in this realm one understands To judge aright the knowledge he pursued. He thought the pictures he possessed were true And could reveal to him reality; But, viewed from here, they clearly show themselves As naught but empty dreams, which Spirit-hands Have woven round about weak men of Earth. They cannot bear the cold clear light of truth. They would be utterly afraid and stunned If they should learn how all the course of life Is turned by spirits after their ideas. MARIA: