Well, as for me, I freely must confess, That I would sooner revelations hear Than speak of questionable spirit-themes. For even if I fail to read aright The riddle of such dreams, yet those at least I count as facts; and would 'twere possible To see one instance of the mystery Of this strange spirit-mood before mine eyes. MARIA: Perchance it is--for look, she comes again. And it doth seem to me as though e'en now This mystic spirit-mood would show itself. THEODORA: I am compelled to speak. Before my soul A pictured form stands wrapped in robes of light; From which strange words are sounding in mine ears. I feel myself in future centuries, And men do I behold as yet unborn:-- They also see the pictured form; they too Can hear the words it speaks, which thus resound-- 'O ye, who lived in faith's sincerity, Take comfort now in sight, and look on Me. Receive new life through Me. For I am He Who lived within the souls of those who sought To find Me in themselves, by following The gospel-words My messengers did bring And by their own devotion's inward power. The light of sense ye saw--believe ye now In the creative spirit-world beyond. For now indeed ye have yourselves achieved One atom of divine prophetic sight. Oh, breathe it deep, and feel it in your souls.' A human form steps from that sphere of light. And speaks to me: 'Thou shalt make known to all Who will give ear to thee, that thou hast seen What all mankind shall soon experience: Once, long ago, Christ lived upon the earth, And from this life ensued the consequence That in soul-substance clad He hovers o'er The evolution of humanity, In union with the earth's own spirit-sphere; And though as yet invisible to men, When in such form He manifests Himself, Since now their being lacks that spirit sight, Which first will show itself in future times; Yet even now this future draweth nigh When that new sight shall come to men on earth. What once the senses saw, when Christ did live Upon the earth; this shall be seen by souls When soon the time shall reach its fulness due.' (Exit.) MARIA: This is the first time we have heard her speak In such a manner to so many folk. At other times she felt constrained to speech, Only when two or three were gathered round. CAPESIUS: To me indeed it seems most curious, That she, as though commanded or required, Should find herself to revelation urged. MARIA: It may so seem; but we know well her ways. If at this moment she desired to send Her inward soul-voice deep into your souls, The only reason was, that unto you The source, whence came her voice, desired to speak. CAPESIUS: