THE CHIEF HIEROPHANT: The sphinxes speak--who were but images E'er since this rite by sages was performed. Upon dead form the spirit now hath seized. O Fate, thou dost sound forth as cosmic word! (The other mystics, with the exception of the Hierophant and the Neophyte, are amazed at the words of the Chief Hierophant.) THE HIEROPHANT (to the Chief Hierophant): 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. The curtain falls on the mental atmosphere set up by the preceding occurrences SCENE 9 A study in Hilary's house. A general atmosphere of seriousness pervades the room. Maria alone in meditation. MARIA: A starry soul, on yonder spirit-shore, Draws near,--draws near me clad in spirit-light, Draws near with mine own self, and as it nears-- Its radiance gains in power,--and gains in calm. O star within my spirit-circle, what Doth thine approach shed on my gazing soul? (Astrid appears to right.) ASTRID: Perceive that which I now can bring to thee; From cosmic strife 'twixt darkness and the light I stole thy power of thought; I bring it now From out its cosmic midnight's wakening With service true back to thine earthly form. MARIA: My Astrid, thou hast ever till today Appeared to me as shining shadow-soul; What turns thee now to this bright spirit-star? ASTRID: I kept the lightning's and the thunder's power For thee, that they might stay within thy soul, And now thou canst behold them consciously-- When of the cosmic midnight thou dost think. MARIA: The cosmic midnight!--ere for this earth-life My self enclosed me in my body's sheath; When Saturn's coloured light kept endless watch! Mine earthly thoughts concealed from me before This spirit scene in soul-obscurity;-- Now in soul-clarity it doth emerge. ASTRID: Thyself in cosmic light didst speak these words: 'Of thee, Duration, would I crave a boon: Pour out thyself into this blessedness And let my guide, and let that other soul Now dwell with me therein in peacefulness.' MARIA: Dwell with me also. O thou moment blest, In which this spirit happening creates New powers of self. Equip my soul with strength That thou mayst not pass from me like a dream. In light which on the cosmic midnight shines, Which Astrid brings from soul-obscurity, Mine ego joins that self which fashioned me To serve its purpose in the cosmic life. But how, O moment, can I hold thee fast, So that I do not lose thee when once more My senses feel earth clearness once again? Their power is great; and often, if they slay The spirit-vision, it stays dead e'en when The self in spirit finds itself again. (Immediately after the last words, as if summoned by them, Luna appears.) LUNA: