What have I seen and heard! It lay on me Just like some nightmare. Came Thomasius Walking like one who is absorbed in thought; Then he stood still; it seemed as if he talked With someone, and yet no one else was there. I felt o'ercome as by some deadly fear; And saw no more of what went on around. As if I were asleep, and unaware, I must have sunk into yon picture-world Which I can now so clearly call to mind. It can indeed have been but little time I sat and dreamed, unconscious of myself; And yet, how rich was yonder world of dreams, What strange impressions doth it make on me. Persons were there who lived in bygone days, I plainly saw them move and heard them speak. I dreamed about a spirit-brotherhood Which strove with steadfast purpose to attain Unto the heights which crown humanity. Among them I could clearly see myself, And all that happened was familiar too. A dream ..., yet most unnerving was that dream. I know that in this life I certainly Can ne'er have learned to know the like of it. And each impression that it leaves behind Reacts like very life upon my soul. Those pictures draw me with resistless power...; O if I could but dream that dream again. Curtain, whilst Capesius remains standing The following four scenes represent events taking place during the first third of the XIVth century. Their contents will show what Capesius, Thomasius, and Maria saw on looking back at their last incarnation. SCENE 6 A woodland meadow. In the background, high cliffs on which stands a castle. Summer evening. Countryfolk; Simon, the Jew; Thomas, the Master miner; the Monk. Countryfolk walking across the meadow, and stopping to talk. FIRST COUNTRYMAN: See yon vile Jew; he surely will not dare To take the same road that we take ourselves; For things might very well come to his ears On hearing which they'd burn for many a day. SECOND COUNTRYMAN: We must make clear to his effrontery, Aye, very clear indeed, that we no more Will tolerate his race in our good land Across whose bounds he hath contrived to slink. FIRST COUNTRYWOMAN: He is protected by the noble knights Who live up in yon castle; none of us May enter it; the Jew is welcome there. For he doth do whate'er the knights desire. THIRD COUNTRYMAN: 'Tis very hard to know who serves the Lord And who the devil. Thankful should we be To our good lords who give us food and work. What should we be if it were not for them? SECOND COUNTRYWOMAN: The Jew shall have my praise; his remedies Have cured me of the evil sickness that I had. Besides, he was so good and kind to me. And many more can tell the selfsame tale. THIRD COUNTRYWOMAN: