The man whom I have recognized in thee In such condition cannot long remain, Bereft of Knowledge, even if he would. Already I can see the days approach When we shall both be other than we are.
The curtain falls, leaving them standing opposite one another
A mountain glade, in which is situated Felix Balde's solitary cottage. Evening. Dame Felicia Balde, Capesius, then Felix Balde; later on Johannes and his Double; afterwards Lucifer and Ahriman. Dame Felicia is seated on a bench in front of her cottage.
I know an old friend will not ask in vain For leave to stay and rest awhile with thee; Since now, e'en more than any former time, He needs what in thine house so oft he found.
When thou wast still far off thy wearied step Told me the tale which now thine eyes repeat; That sorrow dwelleth in thy soul today.
Even aforetime 'twas not granted me To bring much merriment into thy home; But special patience must I crave today When, heavy-hearted and of peace bereft, I force my way unto the home of peace.
We were right glad to see thee in the days When scarce another man came near this house. And thou art still our friend, despite events That came between us, e'en though many now Are glad to seek us in this lonely glade.
The tale is true then which hath reached mine ears, That thy dear Felix, so reserved of yore, Is nowadays a man much visited?
'Tis so; good Felix used to shut us off From everyone--; but now the people throng To question him, and he must answer them. His duty bids him lead this novel life. In former days he cared not to impart, Save to his inner self, the secret lore Concerning spirit-deeds and nature's powers By rock and forest unto him revealed. Nor did men seem to value it before. How great a change hath now come o'er the times! For many men now lend a willing ear To what they counted folly in the past, Greedy for wisdom, Felix can reveal. And when my dear good husband has to talk
Hour upon hour on end, as oft he doth, I long for those old days of which I spake. How oft would Felix earnestly declare That in the quiet heart enshrined, the soul Must learn to treasure up the spirit-gifts From worlds divine in mercy sent to her. He held it treachery to that high speech Of spirit, to reveal it to an ear That was but open to the world of sense.