I was astonished when Capesius Made known to me how my soul's inner self Revealed itself unto his spirit's eye. I could so utterly forget a fact Which years ago was clear as day to me:-- That all that lives within the human soul Works further in the outer spirit-realms; Long have I known it, yet I could forget. When Benedictus was directing me To my first spirit-vision, I beheld Capesius and Strader by this means, Clear as a picture, in another age. I saw the potent pictures of their thoughts Send circling ripples through the world's expanse. Well do I know all this--and knew it not When I beheld it through Capesius. The part of me which knows was not awake; That in an earth-life of the distant past Capesius and I were closely knit: That also for a long time have I known,-- Yet at that instant I did know it not. How can I keep my knowledge all the time?
(A voice from the distance, that of Johannes' Double.)
'The magical web That forms their own life.'
'And clairvoyant dreams Make clear unto souls The magical web That forms their own life.'
(While Johannes is speaking these lines his Double approaches him. Johannes does not recognize him, but thinks "the other Philia" is coming towards him.)
O spirit-counsellor, thou com'st once more; True counsel didst thou bring unto my soul.
Johannes, thine awakening is but false Until thou shalt thyself set free the shade Whom thine offence doth lend a magic life.
This is the second time thou speakest thus. I will obey thee. Point me out the way.
Johannes, give life in the shadow-realm To what is lost to thee in thine own self. From out thy spirit's light pour light on him So that he will not have to suffer pain.
The shadow-being in me I have stunned But not o'erthrown: wherefore he must remain A shade enchanted amongst the other shades Till I can re-unite myself with him.
Then give to me that which thou owest him: The power of love, that drives thee forth to him, The heart's hope, that was first begot by him, The fresh life, that lies hidden deep in him, The fruits of earth-lives in the distant past, Which with his being now are lost to thee; Oh, give them me; I'll bring them safe to him.
Thou knowest the way to him?--Oh, show it me.
I could get to him in the shadow-realm When thou didst raise thyself to spirit-spheres; But since, desire-powers tempting thee, thou didst Avert thy mind to follow after him, When now I seek him my strength ever fails. But if thou wilt abide by my advice My strength can then create itself anew.