Those who do not fear failure will succeed. It only needs an understanding eye To see what bearing mysticism has Upon our case, and forthwith there appears The view that we should take of Strader's work. He will come off victorious in the fight Which flings the spirit-portals open wide; Undaunted by the watchman will he stride Across the threshold of the spirit-land. My soul hath deeply realized the words Which that stern Guardian of the threshold spoke. I feel him even now at Strader's side. Whether he sees him, or toward him goes Unknowing, this indeed I cannot say; But I believe that I know Strader well. He will courageously make up his mind That self-enlightenment must come through pain; The will will ever bear him company Who bravely goes to meet what lies before, And, fortified by Hope's strength-giving stream, Doth boldly face the pain which knowledge brings. HILARY: My friend, I thank thee for these mystic words. Oft have I heard them; now for the first time I feel the secret meaning they enfold. The cosmic ways are hard to comprehend-- My portion, my dear friend, it is to wait Until the spirit points me out the way Which is appropriate unto my sight. (Exeunt left.) (Enter Capesius and Felix Balde, shown in by the Secretary, on right.) SECRETARY: I think that Benedictus will return Sometime today from off his journey; but He is not here at present; if thou com'st Again tomorrow thou shouldst find him here. FELIX BALDE: Can we then have a talk with Hilary? SECRETARY: I'll go and ask him now to come to you. (Exit.) FELIX BALDE: A vision of deep import hast thou seen. Couldst thou not tell it to me o'er again? One cannot apprehend such things aright Till they are fully grasped by spirit-sight. CAPESIUS: It came this morning, when I thought myself Wrapt in the stillness of the mystic trance. My senses slept, and with them memory. To spirit things alone was I alive. At first I saw naught but familiar sights. Then Strader's soul came clearly into view Before mine inner eye, and for a while Stood silent, so that I had ample time To make sure I was consciously awake. But soon I also heard him clearly say 'Abandon not the real true mystic mood,' As if the sound came from his inmost soul. He then continued, with sharp emphasis: 'To strive for naught; but just to live in peace: Expectancy the soul's whole inner life, Such is the mystic mood. And of itself It wakes, unsought amid the stream of life, Whene'er a human soul is rightly strong And seeks the spirit with all-powerful thought. This mood comes often in our stillest hours Yet also in the heat of action; then It cometh lest the soul may thoughtless lose The tender sight of spirit-happenings.' FELIX BALDE: