Aye, list to her; thy riddles she can solve But her solution solves them not for thee. She gives thee wisdom--so that with its aid Thou canst direct thy steps to foolishness. Wisdom were good for thee--at other times, When on thee spirit-day doth brightly shine. But when Maria speaks thus in thy dreams She slays thy riddle's answer by her words. Aye, list to her. STRADER: What mean such words as these? Maria, are they born from out the light? From out my light? Or is my darkness that From which they sound? O Benedictus, speak; Who brought me counsel from the dark abyss? BENEDICTUS: At thine abyss's edge she sought thee out. Thus spirits seek out men to shelter them, From those who fashion phantoms for men's souls And so conceal the cosmic-spirit's sway With mazy darkness, that they only know Themselves in truth in their own being's net. Look further yet within thy dark abyss. STRADER: What now lives in the depths of mine abyss? BENEDICTUS: Gaze on these shades; upon the right, blue-red Enticing Felix--and the others see-- There on the left--where red with yellow blends; Who are intent to reach Capesius. They both do feel the might of these same shades;-- And each in loneliness creates the light Which foils the shades who would deceive men's souls. AHRIMAN: He would do better did he show to thee Thy shades--yet this thing could he scarcely do;-- He hath the best intentions certainly. He only sees not where to seek those shades. They stand behind thee, critically near,-- Yet thou thyself dost hide them now from him. STRADER: So now I hear in mine abyss these words Which once I thought the prating of a fool, When Hilary's adviser uttered them.... MARIA: Sire Felix tempers for himself the blade That rids him of his danger; one who treads The path thy soul takes needs another kind. The sword Capesius doth fashion here, And bravely wields in battle with his foes, Would be for Strader but a shadow sword Should he commence therewith the spirit-fight Which powers of destiny ordain for souls Who must change spirit-being, ripe for deeds With mighty power, to earth activity. Thou canst not use their weapons in thy fight; Yet thou must know them, so that thou mayst forge Thine own from out soul-substance thoughtfully. (The figures of Benedictus, Ahriman, and Maria disappear; i.e., from outward sight; Strader wakes up from his spirit-vision; he looks round for Capesius, Felix Balde, and Dame Balde, who again approach him; he has seated himself upon a rock.) FELIX BALDE: Dear Strader, even now the spirit drove Thee far from us--thus it appeared to me. (He pauses a while in the expectation that Strader will say something, but since the latter remains silent Felix continues.)