Maria, thou art asking at my throne Self-knowledge for that very human soul Who standeth near thee in the life on Earth. It cannot learn to know itself aright Except by gazing deep into myself; And that it will achieve without thine aid. How canst thou think that I would grant to thee All that thou mayst desire for this thy friend? Thou namest Benedictus as thy guide, Who is my strong opponent on the Earth, Lending unto mine enemies his strength. Already hath he stolen much from me. Johannes cut himself adrift from him And placed himself beneath my guiding hand. He cannot yet indeed see my true self Because he hath not yet the seer's full power. He will attain it later through myself, And then he will entirely be mine own. But I command thee not to speak a word That might apply to him in any way So long as thou dost stand before my throne. Any such word would burn me in this place. Here words are deeds, and deeds must follow them; But what might follow--from such words of thine-- It must not be---- BENEDICTUS: Thou must give ear to her. For where words have an equal power with deeds They come in consequence of former deeds. The deed is done that conquers Lucifer. Maria is my spirit-pupil true. I could direct her to that point, whence she Could recognize the highest spirit-task, Which same she will most certainly fulfil. And in fulfilling it she will for sure Build in Johannes power and balm to heal, Which will release him from thy kingdom's grip. Maria carries deep within her soul A solemn holy vow which doth awake Such healing powers in progress of the worlds. Soon wilt thou hear all this put into words, But if with powerful thought thou wouldst suppress And veil the rays of light through which thou gainst The magic power to strive against, and win The victory o'er all that selfhood means, I think that then thou'lt glimpse the healing rays, Which will in future shine with such a strength That they will draw Johannes to their realm, By their all-powerful love. MARIA: Johannes soon Will here appear; and yet in such a form As earthly souls would recognize as theirs, Will come that being, who within the man Lies hid as dual personality. And if Johannes could but recognize Thee as thou seemest to his earthly form It could not bring to him all he requires To help him in the progress of his soul. Thou shalt vouchsafe to him this double now For him to use upon those spirit-paths O'er which I shall in future guide his steps. LUCIFER: Johannes then must stand before me now. I feel full well the power which comes from thee; It hath opposed me since the Earth began.