Not only books, but e'en my spirit-sight Declares that what is here revealed is good. AHRIMAN (in a feigned voice, sardonically): I know why ye are gathered here again. Ye would discover from me how 'twere best To guide the soul of him who oft before Hath stood upon the threshold of your shrine. Because ye think Thomasius is lost Ye now believe that Strader is the man To do you service in the mystic league. What he hath won for progress of mankind By use of powers which follow nature's laws, For this he oweth thanks to me, since I Hold sway where powers mechanical obtain Strength for themselves from their creative founts. So all that he may do to help mankind It needs must turn itself unto my realm. But this time I myself will see to it That what I wish shall happen to this man In future, since ye lost Thomasius By your own work through leaving me aside. If ye desire to serve the spirit-powers Ye first must conquer for yourselves those powers Which in this case ye tried to cast aside. (Ahriman becomes invisible.) TRUSTWORTHY (after a pause, during which he has withdrawn into himself): Exalted Master, care oppresseth me Though I have striven long to banish it, For this is laid upon me by strict rules Which have been ordered for us by our league. But much that shows the life of this same league Hath made the struggle in my soul severe; Yet would I ever thankfully submit My darkness to the spirit-light, which thou Art capable of giving through thy powers. But when I must full often clearly see Thou wert a victim of delusion's snare And how thy words, e'en as events fell out, Did often prove so grievously at fault, Then have I felt as though some wicked elf Were resting painfully upon my soul. And this time also are thy words at fault. Thou couldst have reckoned that we certainly Should hear good tidings from this spirit here. HILARY: 'Tis hard to understand the cosmic ways. My brother, we are well-advised to wait Until the spirit indicates the way Which is ordained for that which we create. (Exeunt Hilary and Trustworthy.) AHRIMAN (who has re-appeared): They see, but do not recognize me yet; For had they known who rules within this place They certainly would not have ventured here To seek direction; and they would condemn To age-long pains of hell that human soul Of whom, they heard, that it did visit me.