By that same God Who dwells within mankind And Who once conquered all the powers of death Because He lived love's life so perfectly. My friend will once again in spirit-realms Discern the words which come forth from my soul But which were hindered from his earthly ears By Lucifer and his delusive power. THOMASIUS (as one who perceives some spiritual being): Maria, dost thou see, clad in long cloak That dignified old man, his solemn face, His noble brow, the flashing of his glance? He passeth through the streets, 'mid crowds of men Yet each doth step aside in reverence That yon old man may go his way in peace, And lest his train of thought be rudely stirred. For one can see that, wrapped within himself He meditates with powerful inmost thought. Maria, dost thou see? MARIA: Yea, I can see, When through the eyes of thine own soul I look. But 'tis to thee alone that he would now Reveal himself in scenes significant. THOMASIUS: I now can see into his very soul, Things full of meaning lie within its depths And memory of something he's just heard. Before his eyes there stands a teacher wise. He lets the words which he hath heard from him Pass through his soul; it is from him he comes. His thinking scans the very source of life; As once mankind in olden times on Earth Might stand quite near and view the spirit-scenes, Although their soul-life was but like a dream; The old man's soul doth trace that line of thought Which from his honoured teacher he hath learned. And now he disappears from my soul's sight; Ah, if I could but watch his further steps. I see men speaking with each other now Among the crowd; and I can hear their words. They speak of that old man with reverence deep. In his young days he was a soldier brave; Ambition, and desire to be renowned Were burning in his soul; he wished to count As foremost warrior within his ranks. In battle's service he did perpetrate Unnumbered gruesome deeds through thirst for fame. And in his life full many a time it chanced He caused much blood to flow upon the earth. At last there came a day when suddenly The luck of battle turned its back on him. He left the battlefield in bitter shame To enter his own home, a man disgraced; Scorn and derision were his lot in life, And from that time wild hatred filled his soul Which had not lost its pride and love of fame. He looked upon his boon-companions now Only as enemies to be destroyed As soon as opportunity occurred. But since the man's proud soul was soon compelled To recognize that vengeance on his foes Would not be possible for him in life, He learned the victory o'er his own self And vanquished all his pride and love of fame. He even made resolve in his old age