HIEROPHANT: Has thou then often seen him in this state? MYSTIC: In truth he may thus frequently be seen. His nature doubtless is inclined toward The temple's service rather than the state's. HIEROPHANT: It is enough. Now go to thine own place And see our holy rite is well performed; (Exit Mystic.) To thee, my keeper, I have more to say. Thou knowest how I prize thy mystic gifts: To me thou bearest wisdom far beyond That which befits thy status in this shrine. Oft to thy seership have I had recourse To prove what mine own spirit-sight hath seen. And so I ask, what confidence hast thou That this new mystic is for spirit ripe? KEEPER: Who asks for my opinion? Is my voice Of any worth? HIEROPHANT: It aye hath worth for me. Today again thou shalt stand by my side; We must most closely watch this holy rite With inward sight; and, should the 'mystic' prove E'en in the slightest way unripe as yet For its high meaning in the spirit life, I shall refuse him rank as 'counsellor.' KEEPER: What is it then that now may be revealed In this new 'mystic' at our holy rite. HIEROPHANT: I know he is not worthy of the trust The temple servants seek to give to him. His human nature is well known to me. His mystic-sense is not that heartfelt urge Which stirs in men when light from spirit realms In kindness draws souls upwards to itself. Strong passion surges in his being yet; The craving of his senses is not stilled. Indeed I would not blame the will divine, Which e'en in craving and in passion pours Its wisdom-light o'er evolution's stream. But when the craving doth conceal itself, And revel 'neath devotion's mystic mask, It causeth thought to lie, and makes will false. The light that weaves the web of spirit-worlds Can never penetrate unto such souls, Since passion spreads a mystic fog between. KEEPER: My hierophant, thy judgment is severe In dealing with a man who still is young And inexperienced, who can neither know Himself nor take another course than that Which priestly guides and mystic leaders say Doth reach the goal along the soul's true path. HIEROPHANT: I do not judge the man, I judge the deed That will be wrought here in this holy place. This holy mystic rite, which we perform, Hath not importance for ourselves alone. Fate's stream of cosmic evolution pours Through word and deed of sacred priestly rites. What happens here in pictures comes to pass In everlasting life in spirit-worlds. But now, good keeper, get thee to thy task; Thou wilt thyself discover how to lend Assistance to me in this holy rite. (Exit Keeper, right.) HIEROPHANT. (alone)