Now only do I see 'tis Ahriman, Who flees himself, but fashions out of thought A knowledge of his being in myself. His aim is to confuse the thought of man Because therein, misled by error old, He seeks the source of all his sufferings. As yet he knows not that the only way For him to find release in future is To find himself reflected in this thought. And so he shows himself to men indeed, But not as he doth feel he is in truth. Himself revealing, and concealing too, He sought to utilize in his own way A favourable hour in Strader's case. Through him he hoped to strike his friends as well; But he will not be able to conceal His nature from my mystic pupils now. He shall be present in their waking thought If he holds sway within their inner sight. So shall they learn to know his many forms, Which would disguise him whensoe'er he must Reveal himself unto the souls of men. But thou, sun-ripened soul of Strader, thou Who by the strengthening of thy spirit-powers Didst drive the Lord of Error into flight Thou shalt, as spirit-star, shine on thy friends. Thy light shall henceforth ever penetrate Into Maria's and Johannes' selves; Through thee will they be able to equip Themselves more strongly for their spirit-work, That so they may with powerful thought reveal Themselves as proof of soul-enlightenment, E'en at such times as dusky Ahriman, By clouding wisdom, seeks to spread the night Of Chaos o'er full-wakened spirit-sight. Curtain NOTES [1] Note.--Very solemn and slow.