From Philia's realm shall stream forth conscious joy; And water nymphs with their transforming power Shall then unfold receptiveness of soul; That the awakened one may undergo And live the mirth and sorrow of the world. From Astrid's web shall grow the joy of love; And sylphs, that live in air, shall then incite The soul's desire to willing sacrifice; That thus the consecrated one may give New life to sorrow-laden souls of men, And comfort those who crave for happiness. From Luna's power shall stream forth solid strength; And salamanders with their fiery breath Shall then create security of soul; That he who knows may find himself again In weaving soul-streams and the life of worlds. PHILIA: I shall implore the spirits of the world That their own being's light may so enchant The senses of the soul; and their words' sound So fill with happiness the spirit ears; That he, whose wakening nears, may thus ascend The path of souls unto celestial heights. ASTRID: The streams of love, which warm the worlds, will I Direct unto his consecrated heart; That he may bring into his work on earth The grace of heaven, and create desire For consecration in the hearts of men. LUNA: From earth's primeval powers will I implore Courage and strength, that may lay them deep Within the seeker's heart; that confidence In his own Self may guide him through his life. Then shall he feel secure in his own soul And pluck each moment's ripened fruit, and draw The seeds therefrom to found eternities. MARIA: With you, my sisters, joined in noble work I shall succeed in what I long to do. But hark! There rises to our world of light The cry of him who hath been sorely tried. (Johannes appears.) JOHANNES: 'Tis thou, Maria! Then my suffering Hath at the last born richest fruit for me. It hath withdrawn me from the phantom shape Which I at first did make out of myself, And which then held me fast, a prisoner. Pain do I thank for thus enabling me To reach thee o'er the pathways of the soul. MARIA: And what then was the path that led thee here? JOHANNES: