_Man_. We meet then! Where? On the earth?-- Even as thou wilt: and for the grace accorded I now depart a debtor. Fare ye well! [_Exit_ MANFRED. (_Scene closes_.) ACT III. SCENE I.--_A Hall in the Castle of Manfred_.[150] MANFRED _and_ HERMAN. _Man_. What is the hour? _Her_. It wants but one till sunset, And promises a lovely twilight. _Man_. Say, Are all things so disposed of in the tower As I directed? _Her_. All, my Lord, are ready: Here is the key and casket.[151] _Man_. It is well: Thou mayst retire. [_Exit_ HERMAN. _Man_. (_alone_). There is a calm upon me-- Inexplicable stillness! which till now Did not belong to what I knew of life. If that I did not know Philosophy To be of all our vanities the motliest, 10 The merest word that ever fooled the ear From out the schoolman's jargon, I should deem The golden secret, the sought "Kalon," found,[152] And seated in my soul. It will not last, But it is well to have known it, though but once: It hath enlarged my thoughts with a new sense, And I within my tablets would note down That there is such a feeling. Who is there? _Re-enter_ HERMAN. _Her_. My Lord, the Abbot of St. Maurice craves[153] To greet your presence. _Enter the_ ABBOT OF ST. MAURICE. _Abbot_. Peace be with Count Manfred! 20 _Man_. Thanks, holy father! welcome to these walls; Thy presence honours them, and blesseth those Who dwell within them. _Abbot_. Would it were so, Count!-- But I would fain confer with thee alone. _Man_. Herman, retire.--What would my reverend guest? _Abbot_. Thus, without prelude:--Age and zeal--my office-- And good intent must plead my privilege; Our near, though not acquainted neighbourhood, May also be my herald. Rumours strange, And of unholy nature, are abroad, 30 And busy with thy name--a noble name For centuries: may he who bears it now Transmit it unimpaired! _Man_. Proceed,--I listen. _Abbot_. 'Tis said thou holdest converse with the things Which are forbidden to the search of man; That with the dwellers of the dark abodes, The many evil and unheavenly spirits Which walk the valley of the Shade of Death, Thou communest. I know that with mankind, Thy fellows in creation, thou dost rarely 40 Exchange thy thoughts, and that thy solitude Is as an Anchorite's--were it but holy.