(All the persons who at the beginning of the play were assembled in the ante-room of the mystic league now appear on the scene; they are blindfolded to show their ignorance of the fact that they are in Ahriman's kingdom. The words they speak live in their souls, but they know nothing of them. They are experiencing during sleep unconscious dreams which are audible in Ahriman's kingdom. Strader, who also appears, is however semi-conscious with regard to all that he experiences, so that later on he will be able to recollect it.) STRADER: The hint that Benedictus gave to me That I should cultivate my power of thought, Hath led me to this kingdom of the dead. Although I hoped that raised to spirit-realms I should find truth on wisdom's sun-clad heights. AHRIMAN: What thou canst learn of wisdom in this place Thou wilt find all-sufficient for long time, If here thou dost comport thyself aright. STRADER: Before what spirit doth my soul then stand? AHRIMAN: That shalt thou know when memory presently Can call again to thee what here thou see'st. STRADER: And all these folk, why do I find them here Within thy darksome realm? AHRIMAN: 'Tis but as souls That they are in this place: they do not know Aught of themselves when here, since in their homes Sunk now in deepest sleep they would be found. But here quite clearly all will be revealed That lives within their souls, though they would scarce On waking think such thoughts could be their own. So too, they cannot hear us when we speak. LOUISA FEAR-GOD: The soul should not in blind devotion think That it can raise itself in haughty pride Up to the light, or that it can unfold Unto its full extent its own true self. I will but recognize what I do know. AHRIMAN (only audible to Strader): And dost not know how bluntly thou dost lead In haughty pride thyself into the dark. She too will serve thee, Strader, in the work That thou hast wrung so boldly from my powers. She doth not need for that the spirit-faith Which seems so ill-accorded with her pride. FREDERICK CLEAR-MIND: Entrancing are indeed these mystic paths; Nor will I henceforth fail in diligence, But give myself completely to the lore That I can gather from the Temple's words. MICHAEL NOBLEMAN: The impulse after truth within my soul Is drawing me toward the spirit-light; The noble teaching which now shines so clear In human life, will surely find that I Am the best pupil that it ever had. GEORGE CANDID: I ever have been deeply moved by all That hath revealed itself from many a source Of noble mystic spirit-treasuries. With all my heart would I yet further strive. AHRIMAN (audible only to Strader):