Thou didst not speak this word within that place. The hierophant did speak, who used to be Thy colleague in that ancient mystic band. He knew e'en then that powers of destiny Foresaw the ending of this mystic band. Unconsciously the hierophant beheld The beauteous rising of the rosy dawn Which to the spirit-stream of earth foretold A new sun over Hellas should arise. So he forbore to send the powerful thought Which he should have directed to my soul. The cosmic spirit's instrument was he At that initiation, during which He heard the whispering stream of cosmic life. He spoke a word from out his inmost soul 'One thing especially I deeply feel: The solitude of this stern spirit-shrine. Why do I feel so lonely in this place?' BENEDICTUS: In his soul there was planted even then The germ of solitude, which later on Matured to soul-fruit in the womb of time. This fruit Capesius as mystic now Must taste, and so must follow Felix' steps. MARIA: That woman, too, who near the temple stayed, I see her as she was in olden time, But not yet can my vision penetrate To where she is; how can I find her then When sense-life causeth me to dream again? THE GUARDIAN: Thou wilt discover her when thou dost see That being in the realm of souls whom she Doth count a shade amongst the other shades. She seeks to reach it with strong power of soul. She will not free it from the world of shades Till in her present body, through thine aid, She hath beheld her long past life on earth. MARIA: Like some soul-star my highest guardian glides, In glowing light toward my shore of souls;-- His light spreads peace, far round the wide flung space;-- His light hath grandeur;--and his dignity Makes strong my being in its inmost depths; In this peace will I now submerge myself;-- I feel before that through it I shall find My way to fullest spirit-wakefulness. And ye, too, messengers into my soul-- I'll keep within myself as beacon-lights. Upon thee, Astrid, will I call when thought Would from soul-clearness fain withdraw itself. And thee, O Luna, may my prayer then find When will-power slumbers deep in my soul depths. The curtain falls while Maria, Astrid, and Luna are still in the room SCENE 10 The same. Johannes alone in meditation. JOHANNES: