So be it! Now my mission is fulfilled. Between us there is no more need of words. Will it be possible for me to have An audience with thy lord, who here commands? SECOND PRECEPTOR: The master doubtless will concede thee this; Yet wait, I pray three, for a little while. He cannot at this moment come to thee. (Exit.) MONK: O, that mine office forceth me to tread The halls of this detested brotherhood. Turn where they may, my eyes must contemplate Sinful devices and satanic spells. Almost a horror seizeth hold on me; A crackling and a rumbling fill the air; I feel the powers of ill are gathered round. (Noises heard.) But as my conscience is entirely clear I will defy the enemy. (Noises heard.) Oh, this Is terrible.... (The spirit of Benedictus appears.) Defend me, Saints in Heaven! BENEDICTUS: Collect thyself, my son. I often came To meet thee, when the fervour of thy prayers Transported thee unto the spirit-world. Take therefore courage in this present hour And learn a truth which thou must realize If spirit clearness is to hold its sway And drive away the darkness from thy soul. MONK: When in my trials I prayed to Heaven for light, And when my supplication winged its way To realms celestial, and won response, Thou, venerated master, didst appear. Thou, who wast aye our Order's ornament, The while thou wert amongst us here on earth, And out of higher realms didst speak to me, Enlightening my mind and strengthening me. My soul beheld thee with its inner eye, My spirit ear was open to thy words. In this hour also then, will I receive The revelation with humility Which thou shalt cause to flow into my soul. BENEDICTUS: