(Capesius at this moment straightens up self-consciously, and, during the following speech, shows an increasingly definite conviction.)
My doubts dissolve--that which I saw was true; I was allowed to see Johannes' life. So is it also clear that his world could Only unfold itself because mine own Would never draw near his and comprehend The spirit-path doth ask for solitude. Co-operation is but meant for those Who comprehend each others' hopes and aims. A soul which sets humanity aside Attains the wide bounds of the worlds of light. A pattern in old Felix can I find, He seeks on paths that none but he may know In proud seclusion for the spirit-light. He sought and found because he kept himself From ever grasping things by reason's strength. In his track will I follow, and thy work, Which hampers seership's power with earthly things, Shall no more lead Capesius astray.
So 'tis with man, what time his better self Sinks into spirit-sleep and strong desire Is all his being's food; until again True spirit-nature wakes in glowing light. Such is the sleep all human beings sleep Before clairvoyant powers have wakened them. They know not they are sleeping, though awake; They seem awake, because they ever sleep. The seer doth sleep, when to this waking state He struggles forth from out his real self. Capesius will now withdraw from us. It is no transient whim; his mental life Draws him away from us and from our plans. It is not he that turns himself from us. The dread decree of fate is plainly seen. And so we who are left must consecrate Our powers with more devotion to our work.
Maria, do not of Johannes ask That for new aims at such a time as this He should gird up his soul, which like all souls Needs spirit-sleep in which it may mature The forces which are germinating there. I know that I in time to come shall dare To work for spirit-worlds--but do not now Appeal to me for services--not now. Think how I drove away Capesius ... Were I ripe for this work--he would be, too.
I dreamed while conscious ... yea, I woke in dreams. What would seem fantasy to cosmic powers To me proved symbol that I was mature. Right well I know my wish was my true self; My thinking only was another self. And so Johannes stood before my soul As once he was, ere spirit seized on him And filled his being with a second self. Johannes is not dead;... a living wish Createth him companion of my soul. I may have stunned him, but not overthrown. A living man, he claims his natural rights Whene'er that other self must sink to sleep. And to wake--always that--exceeds its powers. Asleep it was throughout that time in which Capesius could live within himself. How my first nature tore me from myself. My dreams did seem to him the sign of fate; And so in me and not in him doth work The power which drove him forth, and which forbids Our spirit to be turned to work on earth.