Not only will I hold aloof myself, But I would also make clear to my friend, That this design hath neither aim nor sense. STRADER: I do not wonder thou should'st hold that view Of any plan in which I am concerned. I saw a great inception come to grief Because today the forces still are hid Which turn clear thought to sense reality. 'Tis known I drew from spirit-light the thought, Which, though proved true, yet had no life on earth. This fact doth witness 'gainst my power to judge And also kills belief that spirit hides The source of true creation on the earth. And 'twill be very difficult to prove That such experience hath giv'n me power Not to fall victim for the second time. For I must needs fall into error once That I may safely reach the land of truth. Yet 'tis but natural men should doubt my word. Thy spirit outlook most especially Must find our wisdom promise little gain. I hear thee praised for that keen sympathy Which goes out from thee to all spirit-life, And for the time and strength thou givest it. But it is also said that thou wouldst keep Thy work on earth severely separate From spirit-striving, which with its own powers Would work creatively in thy soul-life. To this pursuit thou wouldst devote alone Those hours which earthly labour doth not claim. The aim, however, of the spirit-tide Where I see clear life's evolution writ, Is to join spirit-work for spirit-ends To earthly labours in the world of sense. MANAGER: So long as spirit but to spirit gives All it can do in free creative might, It raiseth souls in human dignity And gives them reason in their life on earth. But when it seeks to live out its own self And over others' selves to domineer It straightway doth draw nigh the realm in which Illusion often can endanger truth. This knowledge unto which I have attained By personal effort in the spirit-world Doth make me act as I do act today; It is not personal preference, as thou, Misled by what is said of me, wouldst think. STRADER: An error 'tis in spirit-knowledge then That makes thee hostile to the views I hold. Through this will difficulties multiply. No doubt 'tis easy for the spirit-seer To work in partnership with other men Who have already let themselves be taught By life and nature what existence means. But when ideas which claim that they do spring From spirit sources join reluctantly With others flowing from the self-same source, One can but seldom hope for harmony. (After a period of quiet meditation.) Yet that which must will surely come to pass. Renewed examination of my plans ... Perhaps may make thee change the views, to which On first consideration thou dost cling. Curtain whilst all three are sunk in reflection. SCENE 2