At thine abyss's edge she sought thee out. Thus spirits seek out men to shelter them, From those who fashion phantoms for men's souls And so conceal the cosmic-spirit's sway With mazy darkness, that they only know Themselves in truth in their own being's net. Look further yet within thy dark abyss.
What now lives in the depths of mine abyss?
Gaze on these shades; upon the right, blue-red Enticing Felix--and the others see-- There on the left--where red with yellow blends; Who are intent to reach Capesius. They both do feel the might of these same shades;-- And each in loneliness creates the light Which foils the shades who would deceive men's souls.
He would do better did he show to thee Thy shades--yet this thing could he scarcely do;-- He hath the best intentions certainly. He only sees not where to seek those shades. They stand behind thee, critically near,-- Yet thou thyself dost hide them now from him.
So now I hear in mine abyss these words Which once I thought the prating of a fool, When Hilary's adviser uttered them....
Sire Felix tempers for himself the blade That rids him of his danger; one who treads The path thy soul takes needs another kind. The sword Capesius doth fashion here, And bravely wields in battle with his foes, Would be for Strader but a shadow sword Should he commence therewith the spirit-fight Which powers of destiny ordain for souls Who must change spirit-being, ripe for deeds With mighty power, to earth activity. Thou canst not use their weapons in thy fight; Yet thou must know them, so that thou mayst forge Thine own from out soul-substance thoughtfully.
(The figures of Benedictus, Ahriman, and Maria disappear; i.e., from outward sight; Strader wakes up from his spirit-vision; he looks round for Capesius, Felix Balde, and Dame Balde, who again approach him; he has seated himself upon a rock.)
Dear Strader, even now the spirit drove Thee far from us--thus it appeared to me.
(He pauses a while in the expectation that Strader will say something, but since the latter remains silent Felix continues.)
I would not seem to cast thee coldly forth From out our group to other paths of life. I only wish to check thy further steps In that illusion which confuseth thee. What spirit sees in spirit must by souls In spirit also be received and lived. How foolish were it if Felicia Should take the fairies living in her soul, Who also fain would only live in souls, And make them dance upon a puppet's stage. Their magic charm would be completely lost.