Curtain, while Maria is still in the room
Take warning by Capesius' fate and learn What fruits are ripened when a soul attempts To penetrate too soon the spirit-world. He knows the words writ in his book of life And knows his tasks for many lives to come. But suffering not ordained by destiny Is wrought by knowledge which hath not the power To change itself to deeds in earthly life. The choice that to successful issue leads Depends upon the ripeness of the will. At every step that he would take in life Henceforth Capesius must ask himself: Can all my obligations thus be met Which are the outgrowth of my former lives? So o'er his path a dazzling light is shed, Causing his eyes to suffer from the glare And giving him no help upon his way. It kills the forces which, whilst still unknown, Are trusty guides for every human soul, And doth not aid the power of careful thought. Thus it can only hurt the body's strength Before the soul hath learned to conquer it.
I can perceive the error of my life. I stole the soul-powers from my carnal frame And proudly carried them to spirit-heights. Yet it was not a human being whole That thus was carried upward to the light. Nought was it but the shadow of a soul, Which could but rhapsodize of spirit-realms And feel a oneness with creative powers; It wished to live all blissful in the light And deeds of light in colour to behold; It fancied that as artist it could paint Spirit-existence in a world of sense. This form that took its semblance from mine own Hath shown to me myself with cruel truth. I dreamed of soul-love, pure and free from stain, Whilst passion yet was coursing through my veins. But now mine eyes have seen the earthly road Which is the real creative force in life. And shows me whither I must truly strive. Those spirit-pathways which of late I trod Cannot be followed far by such a soul As just before its present life on earth In Thomas's body found a fitting home. The fashion of his life must be for me The rule by which to seek my present goal. I've striven for attainment here and now Of things that only later can bear fruit.
My light must serve to guide thy further steps As it hath done to guide them hitherto. The spirit-path which thou hast sought to tread Can wed the spirit to the lofty heights, But to thy soul it bringeth nought but gloom.