FELIX BALDE: It is not usual for me that I should Associate with such a crowd of men: And not alone unusual---- FELICIA: Aye, 'tis so. His nature drives us into solitude Away from all; year in, year out, we hear Scarce any other converse save our own. And if this good man here from time to time (Pointing to Capesius.) Came not to linger in our cottage home, We scarce should realize that other men, Besides ourselves, live on the earth at all. And if the man, who spake such wondrous words But recently in yonder lecture-hall, And who affected us so potently, Did not full many a time my Felix meet, When he is gone about his daily tasks, Ye would know nought of our forgotten life. MARIA: So the professor often visits you? CAPESIUS: Assuredly. And I may tell you all, The very deep indebtedness I feel To this good woman, who doth give to me In rich abundance, what none other can. MARIA: And of what nature are these gifts of hers? CAPESIUS: If I would tell the tale, then must I touch A thing that verily doth seem to me More wonderful than much that here I've heard, In that it speaks more nearly to my soul. And were I in some other place, these words Would hardly pass the barrier of my lips; Yet here they seem to flow therefrom with ease. In my soul-life there often comes a time When it doth feel itself pumped out and dry. It seems as though the very fountain-head Of knowledge had run dry within my heart. Then can I find no word of any kind Worthy to speak or worthy to be heard. And when I feel such spirit barrenness I flee to these good people, and seek rest In their reviving, peaceful solitude Then Mistress Felix tells me many a tale Set forth in wondrous pictures, manifold, Of beings, dwelling in the land of dreams, Who lead a joyous life in fairy realms. When thus she speaks, her tone and speech recall Some legend oft-told of the ancient days. I ask no question whence she finds these words But this one thing alone I clearly know: That new life flows therefrom into my soul, And sweeps away its dull paralysis. MARIA: To hear such splendid witness to the skill Of Dame Felicia doth, in wondrous wise, Harmoniously blend in every way With all that Benedictus told to us About his friend's deep hidden knowledge-founts. FELIX BALDE: He who spake words to us just now, which showed (Benedictus appears at the door.) How in the realm of universal space, And vast eternities his spirit dwelt, Hath surely little need to speak o'er much Of simple men. BENEDICTUS: Thou errest friend. For me Infinite value hath each word of thine. FELIX BALDE: