Yet how shall I experience myself? It seems some spirit-being draweth near. Since I was counted worthy to receive The spirit's sight, I feel it ever thus, When evil powers desire to seize on me. Yet, come what may, I have strength to resist; For I can feel myself within my Self; Which quickening words give strength invincible. Yet now most strong resistance do I feel: Well may it be the fiercest of all foes: But let him come, for he will find me armed. Thou foe of Good; 'tis surely thine own self! For near me I can feel thy potent strength. I know thou dost desire to rend in twain Whate'er has wrenched itself from thy control. But I shall strengthen in me that new strength, Wherein thou canst have neither part nor lot. (Benedictus appears.) JOHANNES: O Benedictus, fount of my new life! It is not possible. It cannot be. Nay, nay, it cannot be thyself. Thou art Some vain illusion. Oh, revive in me Ye good powers of my soul, and straightway crush This phantom image, that would mock at me! BENEDICTUS: Ask of thy soul now, whether it can feel, What through these years my nearness meant to it. Through me the fruits of wisdom grew for thee; And wisdom only now can lead thee on, And fend from error in the spirit's realm. So now experience me within thyself. Yet wouldst thou go still further, thou must then Enter that way, which to my temple leads. And if my wisdom is to guide thee still To loftier heights, it must flow from that spot Where with my brethren close conjoined I work. The strength of truth I gave to thee myself; And if this kindles power from its own fire Within thyself, then shalt thou find the way. (Exit.) JOHANNES: Oh, he doth leave me. How shall I decide Whether I have some phantom form dispelled, Or if reality hath left me now? Yet do I feel in me my strength renewed. 'Twas no illusion, but the man himself. I will experience thee within myself, O Benedictus, for thou gav'st me power, Which, growing of itself within myself, Taught me to sever error from the truth. And yet to vain illusion I succumbed: 1 felt a shudd'ring fear at thine approach; And could consider thee a fantasy, When thou didst stand before my very eyes. (Theodosius appears.) THEODOSIUS: From all illusion thou shalt free thyself, When thou dost fill thyself with mine own strength: To me could Benedictus lead thy steps, But thine own wisdom now must be thy guide. If thou dost only live what he hath put Within thee, then thou canst not live thyself. In freedom strive unto the heights of light; And for this striving now receive my strength. (Exit.) JOHANNES: