It is but human what these souls conceal. One cannot tell what they may yet achieve; For Lucifer may try his power on them, And make them think they are but working out Each his own powers of soul with steadfast aim; And so perchance he hath not lost them yet. FOX: He who would cosmic riddles rightly read Must wait till understanding and right thought Reveal themselves through powers within his life, And he who fain would find his way aright Must seize all he can use that gives him joy. Above all else the search for wisdom's lore To give high aims to weak humanity-- This leads to nothing on this Earth of ours. AHRIMAN (audible only to Strader): He hath been chosen as philosopher, And such he will appear in his next life-- With him I do but balance my account. Seven of twelve I ever need myself And five I give to Brother Lucifer. From time to time I take account of men And see both what they are and what they do. And when I once have chosen out my twelve I do not need to search for any more. For if I come in number to thirteen The last is just exactly like the first. When I have got these twelve within my realm And can through their soul-nature fashion them, Then others too must ever follow them. (To himself; holding his hands over Strader's ears so that he shall not hear.) True, none of this have I achieved as yet, Since Earth refused to give herself to me. But I shall strive throughout eternity, [1] Until--perchance--I gain the victory. One must make use of what is not yet lost. (The following so that it is again audible to Strader): Thou seest I do not flatter with fine words, Indeed I do not wish to please mankind. He who would inspiration seek for lofty aims In speech well-regulated and arranged, Needs must betake himself to other worlds. But, who with reason and a sense for truth Perceives the things which here I bring to pass, He can acknowledge that it is with me The powers are found, without which human souls Must lose themselves whilst living on the Earth. The very worlds of gods make use of me, And only seek to draw souls from my grasp When I grow active in their own domain. And then if my opponent doth succeed In leading men astray with this belief That my existence hath been proved to be Unnecessary for the universe, Then souls may dream indeed of higher worlds, But strength and power decay in earthly life. STRADER: Thou seest in me one who would follow thee And give his powers to thee to use at will. What I have witnessed here doth seem to show That all that makes mankind thine enemy Is lack of reason's power and strength of mind. In truth thou didst not flatter with fine words; For thou didst well-nigh mock these poor weak men When it did please thee to portray their fate.