Johannes, give life in the shadow-realm To what is lost to thee in thine own self. From out thy spirit's light pour light on him So that he will not have to suffer pain. JOHANNES: The shadow-being in me I have stunned But not o'erthrown: wherefore he must remain A shade enchanted amongst the other shades Till I can re-unite myself with him. THE DOUBLE: Then give to me that which thou owest him: The power of love, that drives thee forth to him, The heart's hope, that was first begot by him, The fresh life, that lies hidden deep in him, The fruits of earth-lives in the distant past, Which with his being now are lost to thee; Oh, give them me; I'll bring them safe to him. JOHANNES: Thou knowest the way to him?--Oh, show it me. THE DOUBLE: I could get to him in the shadow-realm When thou didst raise thyself to spirit-spheres; But since, desire-powers tempting thee, thou didst Avert thy mind to follow after him, When now I seek him my strength ever fails. But if thou wilt abide by my advice My strength can then create itself anew. JOHANNES: I vowed to thee that I would follow thee-- And now, O spirit-counsellor, again With all my soul's strength I renew that vow. But if thou canst thus find the way to him, Then show it to me in this hour of fate. THE DOUBLE: I find it now but cannot lead the way. I can alone show to thine inward eye The being whom thy longing now doth seek. (The spirit of Johannes' Youth appears.) THE SPIRIT OF JOHANNES' YOUTH: Thanks to that spirit I shall ever owe Who was allowed thy soul sight to unseal, So that when I appear by spirit-law Thou wilt henceforth behold me open-eyed. But thou must first this spirit truly know, At whose side thou art now beholding me. (The spirit of Johannes' Youth disappears: only now does Johannes recognise the Double.) JOHANNES: That spirit-counsellor--mine other self? THE DOUBLE: Now follow me--thou hast so vowed to me-- For I must now conduct thee to my lord. (The Guardian of the Threshold appears and stands beside the Double.) THE GUARDIAN: