Thy pious mind hath shown the road to thee. It is most true that times and objects change; But none the less 'tis not for heretics To trace the paths on which mankind must tread. The error of this spirit-brotherhood Is dangerous, because it speaks the truth, And yet expresses it in such a way As makes the truth more deadly than a lie. A man who openly avowed he lied Would have to be bereft of common sense 'Ere he could bring himself to such belief That men would gladly follow where he led. The spirit-knights indeed are shrewd of mind; They do not fail to speak about the Christ Because this name can open every door That gives admission to the souls of men. But ever can men easiest be led Into the service of the Antichrist When in the name of Christ he is proclaimed. MONK: Conflicting voices from the world of souls Assail mine ears, as often heretofore, And always with an aim to counteract The pious promptings of a mind devout. How shall I find the paths that lead to good If by the Powers of Evil they be praised? Almost it seems to me as if indeed...; But no, such words shall not be thought by me--, The wisdom of my master shall reveal The meaning of his words, so dark to me. BENEDICTUS: I can direct thee to the proper path, If thou wilt let the words which once I spake On earth possess thee in thine inmost soul. And if thou art resolved to find the life That lives within those words upon those planes On which thou now canst see me face to face, The proper path shall be made plain to thee. Curtain, while the Monk, the Spirit of Benedictus, Lucifer, and Ahriman are still on the stage SCENE 8 The same. The First Preceptor; Joseph Keane; then the Grand Master with Simon; later the First and the Second Master of Ceremonies. Joseph Keane is there first; the Preceptor approaches him. FIRST PRECEPTOR: Thou didst send word thou wouldst have speech with me. What is the news that thou art come to bring? JOSEPH KEANE: Most weighty matters both to thee and me. Thou knowst the master miner Thomas here, Who renders service to thee? FIRST PRECEPTOR: Well I know The worthy man; we prize him for his skill, And his subordinates hold him in love. KEANE: And dost thou know my child, Cecilia, too? FIRST PRECEPTOR (moved): It hath so chanced that I have seen the maid When I have met thee with thy family. KEANE: