I were a dreamer if I acted thus. I spin no dreams about mankind's whole life With eyes fast closed. I ne'er had use for thoughts That show themselves and forthwith fade away. I look at Strader with wide-open eyes; And see what this man's nature proves to be, What qualities he hath and how he acts, And that wherein he fails;--and then I know I have no option left me but to judge Of his endowments as I have just done. As if this man had stood before mine eyes Already many hundred years ago, So do I feel him in my spirit now. And that I am awake--I know full well. I shall lend my support to Hilary; For that which must will surely come to pass. So think his project over once again. MANAGER: It will be of more benefit to me If I think over that which thou hast said. (Exeunt Manager and Romanus. Johannes comes from another direction, deep in thought, and sits down on a boulder. Johannes is at first alone, afterwards appear his Double, the Spirit of Johannes' youth, and finally the Guardian of the Threshold, and Ahriman.) JOHANNES: I was astonished when Capesius Made known to me how my soul's inner self Revealed itself unto his spirit's eye. I could so utterly forget a fact Which years ago was clear as day to me:-- That all that lives within the human soul Works further in the outer spirit-realms; Long have I known it, yet I could forget. When Benedictus was directing me To my first spirit-vision, I beheld Capesius and Strader by this means, Clear as a picture, in another age. I saw the potent pictures of their thoughts Send circling ripples through the world's expanse. Well do I know all this--and knew it not When I beheld it through Capesius. The part of me which knows was not awake; That in an earth-life of the distant past Capesius and I were closely knit: That also for a long time have I known,-- Yet at that instant I did know it not. How can I keep my knowledge all the time? (A voice from the distance, that of Johannes' Double.) 'The magical web That forms their own life.' JOHANNES: 'And clairvoyant dreams Make clear unto souls The magical web That forms their own life.' (While Johannes is speaking these lines his Double approaches him. Johannes does not recognize him, but thinks "the other Philia" is coming towards him.) O spirit-counsellor, thou com'st once more; True counsel didst thou bring unto my soul. THE DOUBLE: Johannes, thine awakening is but false Until thou shalt thyself set free the shade Whom thine offence doth lend a magic life. JOHANNES: This is the second time thou speakest thus. I will obey thee. Point me out the way. THE DOUBLE: