Yet that which must will surely come to pass. Renewed examination of my plans ... Perhaps may make thee change the views, to which On first consideration thou dost cling.
Curtain whilst all three are sunk in reflection.
Mountainous country; in the distance, Hilary's house, which is in the vicinity of the workshops, which are not seen. Hilary's house has no upper floor; no corners or angles, and is crescent shaped. A waterfall on the left of the stage, facing audience. A rivulet runs from the waterfall between little rocks across the stage.
Johannes is seen sitting on a rock to right. Capesius left.
The towering masses with their silent life Brim up the air with riddles manifold; Yet ask no maddening questions such as slay A soul that asks not for experience But only for serenity in which It may behold life's revelation clear. See how these colours play among these cliffs, How calmly dumb the bare expanses lie, How twilight clothes the woods in green and blue; This is the world in which Johannes' soul Will rest and weave tomorrow's fantasies.
Johannes' soul shall feel within itself The depths and distances of this its world; And by creative powers this soul shall be Delivered of its hidden energy And make known that the world's enchantment is Only appearance glorified by art. Yet could Johannes ne'er accomplish this Did not Maria through her love awake With gentle soul-warmth forces in his soul. I must acknowledge fate's wise leadership In drawing me so closely unto her. How short a time it is since I have known That she is by my side; how closely knit Hath been in these few weeks Johannes' soul Into a living unity with hers. As spirit she lives in me though far off; She thinks within my thought when I call up Before my soul the objects of my will.
(Maria appears as a thought of Johannes.)
Maria here before me! but how strange! She must not thus reveal herself to me! This stern cold spirit-face, this dignity That chills my earthly feelings--'tis not thus Johannes will or can Maria see Draw nigh to him. 'Tis not Maria--this-- Whom by kind fate's decree wise powers have sent.
(Maria disappears from Johannes' vision.)
Where is Maria whom Johannes loved Before she had transformed his soul in him And led it up to ice-cold spirit-heights? And where Johannes, whom Maria loved, Where is he now?--He was at hand e'en now. I see no more Johannes, who didst give Me back unto myself with joy. The past Cannot and shall not rob me of him thus.