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Title: Four Mystery Plays: Introduction
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of man up to the moment when he is able to pierce the veil and see into
an initiation specially adapted to modern days — the time and manner
find amongst them many types — the occult leader and the seeress
man of the world; and we hear too the scoffing cynicism of the materialist
and Ahriman; the former of whom may be described as an embodiment of the
These two influences are given to man that he may gain free will by having
before the first public performance, and the first play was written
and acted in this manner in August, 1910, the second in August, 1911,
other parts of Germany, Doctor Steiner was led to set up his theatre in
to attend the rehearsals and assist in the performances of the plays.

Title: Four Mystery Plays: The Portal of Initiation: Editorial Summary of the Scenes
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performance of these plays. The English editor has, however, ventured
Continuation of Scene 4. Felicia: her First Fable. Germanus.

Title: Four Mystery Plays: The Portal of Initiation: Editorial Summary of the Scenes
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performance of these plays. The English editor has, however, ventured
Continuation of Scene 4. Felicia: her First Fable. Germanus.

Title: Four Mystery Plays: The Portal of Initiation: Interlude
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I say that there were moments when all I had ever known of human
not only gives the outer mischances happening to so many people,
he begins to doubt his love for a woman. She had endowed him with
benefactress. Constant association with this woman developed his
that she had lost the heart of the man she loved. When he heard
all that resulted from a hopeful and promising man. Without prospect
of life. And I believe a great many have that power, — especially
the revelation of a landscape or a human countenance.
of art. These same powers have implanted in man an impulse to
all that man can create, the original powers of creation have
That is just why so many works of art are imperfect; for the

Title: Four Mystery Plays: The Portal of Initiation: Beings and Persons Represented
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Romanus, whose prototype, as the Mystery proceeds,
Germanus, whose prototype,, as the Mystery proceeds,
Ahriman and Lucifer, conceived as Soul-influences only.
of the audience as in the original German. So too the left is
is is usually in a black riding suit, top boots, and a black mantle.
Ahriman,
the stole, mitre, and crosier of Romanus are bronze and
Germanus

Title: Four Mystery Plays: The Portal of Initiation: Prelude
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And human souls in reverent gratitude,
Congress of Psychologists; though the manner in which they treat
many great questions there does not appeal to him. However, as
for the performance of the play, which our society has been rehearsing
human development.
who think as I do, do not finally measure the character of man
an instrument for the manifestation of this view of life.
to the callousness and lack of sympathy shown by so many of your
life requires at the hands of the man whom we call good. And yet
how I have wrenched myself away from that manner of life, which,
understand why so many people suffer, as it seems, undeservedly.
Possibly my words sound harsh to you. But our friendship demands
nature shapes living entities. Like many another, for instance,
that the character of man shapes itself, and that we can merely
in like manner do our ideas flow into our very being, kindling and
the dreams which you share with so many can only be realized when

Title: Four Mystery Plays: The Portal of Initiation: Scene 1
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Aye, after many of the speakers' words,
Unto the very kernel of man's soul,
Where human souls do enter every night,
Man's being wanders erring: whilst the night
That I should grow to perfect spirit-man.
Man's common mode of thinking; and create
Man's character in sure and noble mould.
Mingled together, uttering manifold
Full many harmonies there were indeed,
But also many a harsh-toned dissonance.
Ah, when the words and speech of many men
It seems as though man's very prototype
Became through many souls articulate,
Grows visible in many-coloured rays.
Through changing scenes of many centuries
And set before man's soul the goals of life.
This mode of thought doth work. Full many a day
Seemed nature's gift, man's talents — and more strong
The kind of man I am, insufferable.
They fascinate the spirit of mankind,
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Title: Four Mystery Plays: The Portal of Initiation: Scene 2
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Know thou thyself, O man.
'Tis thus I hear them, now these many years,
‘Know thou thyself, O man. Know thou thyself.’
Know thou thyself, O man.
These words ring forth: ‘Know thou thyself, O man.’
Know thou thyself, O man.
Ye cruel words, ‘Know thou thyself, O man.’
Know thou thyself, O man.
My human form is lost and gone from me;
‘Know thou thyself, O man. Know thou thyself.’
Know thou thyself, O man.
Know thou thyself, O man.
Blind through these words: ‘Know thou thyself, O man.’
Know thou thyself, O man.
When many varying thoughts of many men
Man's final refuge hath been lost to me:
And many things I am compelled to see,
A human being ever could arise.
‘Know thou thyself, O man. Know thou thyself.’
Know thou thyself, O man.

Title: Four Mystery Plays: The Portal of Initiation: Scene 3
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And soon did learn full many a beauteous word
The deeds of Gods unite with human lives. —
And dwell there, veiled in form of flesh, as man.
The Karma of mankind made this demand.
To link themselves with human destiny.
Doth plant the seed within some human heart.
My task it was to find that human soul
The deed of heaven to some human lot.
Through many former lives thou hadst acquired
That human hearts can e'er experience.
A ripened fruit of many lives that soul,
The power to work within our human world.
When it flows forth to other human souls.
In human nature can attain the realm
My son, full many trials have come to thee;
Whereby thou willedst to deceive mankind.
Here with us: and where'er a human form
Of that new higher life of humankind
Where every man may find his being's source
Whate'er this world engenders in man's heart
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Title: Four Mystery Plays: The Portal of Initiation: Scene 4
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Lucifer and Ahriman. Johannes is seen
O man, know thou thyself; O man, feel me.
O man, know thou thyself; O man, feel me.
Ahriman:
O man, know me; O man, feel thou thyself.
O man, know me; O man, feel thou thyself.
Ahriman:
The other doth obscure the sight of man
The one took on the woman's form e'en now,
in astral garb; the former, though the older man of the two
The soul of man may only look on me,
To human dreamers words of hope like these
To man's best observation and research.
In life's storm-centres many a year I stood,
Upon the proud heights of the mind of man.
Idealized through man's creative work,
Be thy reward for deeds commanded.
Creation were not possible for man
Sufficeth for itself; and so doth man
Then tell the woman, who endowed your souls
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Title: Four Mystery Plays: The Portal of Initiation: Scene 5
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Romanus (in
To live in spirit-realms the man to thee
Themselves to him; demanding from him deeds;
Out of myself I give to man on earth
Romanus:
Now have they learned whither mankind is led
Must ripen through thy power in human souls.
Unto my spirit, hath commanded me
For that which grows to-day in human brains
These clever human heads: they turn their gaze
And luckless layman, who would fain presume
A fancy-monger and a man of dreams
And bring forth fruitful work in human souls.
Romanus:
Romanus:
Thou wilt bear fruit on earth in human deeds
He who stood on his left seemed like that man

Title: Four Mystery Plays: The Portal of Initiation: Scene 6
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Continuation of Scene 4. Felicia: her First Fable. Germanus.
For many years one of these men did come
He grew to manhood steeped in all the light,
A man of desert soul and empty heart.
And now forsooth thou dost demand of me
Yet thy work aids the welfare of mankind
Mankind thou hast inspired
He looked upon the doings of mankind.
Full many thousand times the same results.
For therein dwelt a tired and weary man,
Who pondered on the love of humankind,
And pondered also over human hate.
And, grieving o'er this man, the being lost
And once again he saw mankind pass through
His gaze did fall upon a dying man.
(Germanus, invisible behind the rock, speaks. As he speaks,
Germanus:
A man once lived, who went from East to West:
He looked upon the doings of mankind.
The man heard not, but wandered blindly on
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Title: Four Mystery Plays: The Portal of Initiation: Scene 7
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So I can give to man
To mankind's seeking soul.
That consecrate man
Unto the heart of man Who is initiate;
The human seeker's heart:
In his old age I saw — this man
And many things besides have I beheld
Not human was thy nature: in thy soul
Which worked not as man clothed in flesh doth work.
This glow takes shape, and grows to human form.
It is a man with spirit deep imbued,
On that good man who rose from out thy head:
A woman facing him mine eye doth see,
At this man's words. I hear their mad wild cries:
But unconcernedly the man speaks on.
He tells now of that God in human form,
And swears it will wreak vengeance on the man.
The woman who doth stand before the man
A soul prays to the God in human form;
Thou wast the woman whom the seeress saw,
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Title: Four Mystery Plays: The Portal of Initiation: Scene 8
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A man of sad demeanour wast thou then,
It seemed as though the man himself heard not,
The living spirit is thus manifest.
Itself in man, who none the less remains
Can consciously behold; and many times
In every line, and many things besides,
As a young man I saw Capesius,
What is the essential kernel of a man;
And how a man's peculiarities
In earthly life do manifest themselves

Title: Four Mystery Plays: The Portal of Initiation: Scene 9
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‘O man, feel thou thyself.’
O man, feel thou thyself! For three long years
A man may free himself to conquer first;
Through these same words: ‘O man, feel thou thyself.’
‘O man, feel thou thyself.’
That they will grow and lead man's spirit up,
Man too can grasp whate'er hath ta'en firm hold
O man, experience and feel thyself —
‘O man, feel thou thyself.’
O man, experience and feel thyself;
‘O man, feel thou thyself.’
From all the worlds: O man, feel thou thyself.
‘O man, feel thou thyself.’
Of these same words: O man, feel thou thyself.
‘O man, feel thou thyself.’
‘O man, feel thou thyself.’
Of these same words: O man, feel thou thyself.
‘O man, feel thou thyself.’
Man's first conviction has just come to me,
Lies in these words: O man, feel thou thyself.
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Title: Four Mystery Plays: The Portal of Initiation: Scene 10
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Love shall through me reveal himself to man.
(He grows uncertain, as is gradually made manifest by his gestures.)
'Twas no illusion, but the man himself.
(Lucifer and Ahriman appear.)
O man, know me. O man, feel thou thyself.
Thou shalt discover, who to human lot
O man, feel thou thyself: O man, know me.
Ahriman:
O man, know thou thyself: O man, feel me.
O man, feel me. O man, know thou thyself.
Prom me, and Ahriman did follow him.
Mankind doth think in truth;
Mankind doth live in Love.

Title: Four Mystery Plays: The Portal of Initiation: Scene 11
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Of mankind's upward striving might compose,
Which should have worked convincingly on man.
Thou gav'st me power to picture human life;
Which strives for truth in every human heart.
(Enter Benedictus with Lucifer and Ahriman; behind them
Ahriman):
Ahriman:
Romanus (to
But now at length 'twas even man's illusion
Romanus:
That man without thine aid may fire himself
A human image is now born therefrom;
From this same human form. E'en thus they sound:

Title: Four Mystery Plays: The Soul's Probation: Editorial Summary of the Scenes
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Same period. The Interior of the Castle. The Grand Master and Council. The Monk's demand. The apparition of his late Master, Benedictus.
Meditation chamber as in Scene 2. Maria defeats Ahriman.

Title: Four Mystery Plays: The Soul's Probation: Editorial Summary of the Scenes
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Same period. The Interior of the Castle. The Grand Master and Council. The Monk's demand. The apparition of his late Master, Benedictus.
Meditation chamber as in Scene 2. Maria defeats Ahriman.

Title: Four Mystery Plays: The Soul's Probation: Beings and Persons Represented
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Benedictus, Theodosius, Romanus, Hierophants of the Temple
Ahriman
a white Maltese cross on their mantle and on their tunic. The mantle

Title: Four Mystery Plays: The Soul's Probation: Scene 1
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Thus erring human nature often seeks
The inward life of many human souls.
Down many a path my restless soul I turned.
Which transforms human life, and makes to rise
Abides in every man. And since from him
As chief amongst the many sins of life
That unto knowledge man aspires in vain;
That human destiny demands of man
Have been implanted in the human soul,
The work divine committed unto man.
Upon the human will.
With all thy human strength.
With thy humanity.
To depths of human life
Mankind doth live in thought
Mankind illusion weaves.
Prepare to change the sense of many words
A man can lose
In human life. Mere words of comfort now
For human souls may not be written down,
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Title: Four Mystery Plays: The Soul's Probation: Scene 2
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They seek to lay upon me a command
With thee united. Now his soul demands,
But this it doth demand with strict decree —
Doth wear the mask of truth to human minds,
of manifold shortcomings. Not till now
Ye bring to fruitage in the self of man
To long past ages of humanity.
Mankind doth guide his life,
Mankind himself doth lose.

Title: Four Mystery Plays: The Soul's Probation: Scene 3
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From her rich store of wisdom manifold.
Be manifest in matter which is drawn,
The magic warmth that streams through human hearts,
And, sensing even then their need of man,
Out of my pictures to the human heart.
Mankind doth not attain
They fain would lure mankind

Title: Four Mystery Plays: The Soul's Probation: Scene 4
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With many a disputatious argument
There are no goals in life ordained for man
Of which that woman showed herself possessed.
Dost thou recall the artist, that young man
For many weeks benumbed, to madness nigh
So now I am a factory manager,
For many hours in which I can forget
I sought through many a weary wakeful night
A man to whom it hath been thus ordained
This man hath willed this fate upon himself
How many veils enshroud mine inmost self?
The man whom I have recognized in thee

Title: Four Mystery Plays: The Soul's Probation: Scene 5
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Ahriman. Dame Felicia is seated on a bench in front of her
When scarce another man came near this house,
That came between us, e'en though many now
Is nowadays a man much visited?
To many men lending a willing ear
So she deplores the many days that pass
Equally faithful unto its command.
Our human nature undergoes a change
Be now revealed unto every man
Is in agreement with man's current thought;
I am a man into whose heart must flow,
As is his body's sheath to man on earth;
That every man is free to come to me
Many are led by curiosity
I have admired thee now these many years;
Man, as the image of the cosmos, is:
The human form as it before us stands,
All these, full many gods have worked to mould
Which should, in combination, make mankind.
For they regard mankind as nothing else
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Title: Four Mystery Plays: The Soul's Probation: Scene 6
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First Countryman:
On hearing which they'd burn for many a day.
Second Countryman:
First Countrywoman:
Third Countryman:
Second Countrywoman:
And many more can tell the selfsame tale.
Third Countrywoman:
Fourth Countryman:
Fifth Countryman:
Fourth Countrywoman:
Fifth Countrywoman:
Sixth Countrywoman:
Sixth Countryman:
They set themselves apart from all mankind,
Must now reveal themselves unto mankind
And one thing then was manifest to me: —

Title: Four Mystery Plays: The Soul's Probation: Scene 7
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who has passed away about fifty years earlier. Then Lucifer and Ahriman.
To seek the goal appointed unto man,
For many a castle of our brotherhood
And many Brethren dear to us have fallen
Should doom so many brothers' single lives,
The sacrifice demanded from these men
And yet whose nature still shows many a stain.
The heart of each man in our brotherhood,
The man who cannot hear with perfect faith
The manner in which ye possessed yourselves
This have we won for human industry:
To distant lands, to further human weal,
And many honest souls are now at work
Of peaceably accepting our demand
The honour of our brotherhood demands
An audience with thy lord, who here commands?
Those human beings who have joined its ranks
(Ahriman and, Lucifer appear.)
Ahriman:
To trace the paths on which mankind must tread.
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Title: Four Mystery Plays: The Soul's Probation: Scene 8
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The worthy man; we prize him for his skill,
Our enemies are many if one more
My service to the cause of human love
To acts of men, is manifest in me.
But I, alas, have felt for many days
A human form appears in front of me
The greatness and the beauty of this man
To take a human form upon Himself,
The primal form of our humanity
How cosmic aims are linked to human fate.
To understand the soul of every man,
There are amongst them many men indeed
Earth once only in a human frame.
That all mankind must needs be born again,
Human existence where the Spirit seeks
In easy manner to posterity.
That we to-day can meet so many souls
This seed can only manifest itself
In man, by opposition to those Powers
Can only in such manner be disclosed;
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Title: Four Mystery Plays: The Soul's Probation: Scene 9
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So many friends are always glad to hear.
Once on a time there lived a man who spent
‘'Twas but a year ago a man did cleave
And when the man had listened to these words
But which completely answered his demand:
May form fresh knowledge in a human head.
I know how many things I can make clear
First Countryman:
Full many a bit of news he hath to tell
Second Countryman:
Many amongst us will most certainly
First Countrywoman:
How can a man be such a witless fool!
Second Countrywoman:
Yet there are many hereabouts to-day
The good man who in former days was wont
To help so many in sore need, can now
Third Countrywoman:
Of course! For many people were enraged
Third Countryman:
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Title: Four Mystery Plays: The Soul's Probation: Scene 10
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I saw mankind and all its works evolve
‘O man know thou thyself within thy world.’
And just as man doth often feel a scene

Title: Four Mystery Plays: The Soul's Probation: Scene 11
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Maria, Ahriman.
Ahriman:
Woman thou sawst as woman, man as man,
So 'tis but easy for a man to yield
The force that gives mankind discernment true.
Ahriman:
But which can also guide man to the truth.
At these times, many men will be reborn
(Ahriman withdraws with reluctant mien. Thunder.)
But unto me hath been made manifest

Title: Four Mystery Plays: The Soul's Probation: Scene 12
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And knows his tasks for many lives to come.
Are trusty guides for every human soul,
Yet it was not a human being whole
What hath a man attained who gives himself
When in earth's primal days his human form
This will must know the wherefore of man's life
Though human knowledge cannot make it plain.
That which in perfect manhood it creates
When it flows mightily through human souls;
Whose human self stands firm within the world.
That hath more wisdom than the human soul.

Title: Four Mystery Plays: The Soul's Probation: Scene 13
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Mysteries of the Hierophants; Lucifer, Ahriman, the three Soul-Figures,
Strader, Benedictus, Theodosius, Romanus, Maria.
(Enter first Lucifer and Ahriman.)
The human soul that gave itself to me
Ahriman:
Intent on shaping man's development.
Bestow the spirit-food on human souls
To guide this man's soul from the spirit-night
And so through many lives he had to pass
As barred him from the cosmos and from man.
Another man strives to the temple's light;
Romanus:
Learn how a man must, in a single life,
Take up a load. of duties which demand
Of many lives of eartly pilgrimage.
In human nature there are springs of love
A load unwittingly assumed by man, —
To bear fruit for the real good of man.
Whose symbols are the actions of man's life.
Shall henceforth work awakened for man's weal.
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Title: Four Mystery Plays: Guardian of the Threshold: Editorial Summary of the Scenes
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The groves of Lucifer and Ahriman and their creatures who dance. Dame Balde's fable.
The kingdom of Ahriman. The reincarnated country folk come here unconsciously in sleep. Strader comes consciously.

Title: Four Mystery Plays: Guardian of the Threshold: Editorial Summary of the Scenes
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The groves of Lucifer and Ahriman and their creatures who dance. Dame Balde's fable.
The kingdom of Ahriman. The reincarnated country folk come here unconsciously in sleep. Strader comes consciously.

Title: Four Mystery Plays: Guardian of the Threshold: Beings and Persons Represented
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known as Germanus in ‘The Portal of Initiation.’
Probation’, and known as ‘Romanus’ in ‘The
Ahriman.
BEINGS OF THE ELEMENT OF HUMAN SPIRIT:
whose agency the human soul forces are connected with the Cosmos.
Michael Nobleman.
have human form, as they are bound to have upon the stage. If the writer
Ahriman in
Luna, and the Other Philia, flowing muslin robes of many colours,
short blue mantle thrown over the back and attached to the front by

Title: Four Mystery Plays: Guardian of the Threshold: Scene 1
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And to the commonsense of human minds.
Which is so highly prized by many men;
Michael Nobleman:
Their life and deeds make manifest to all.
As have seemed wise to mankind's general thought
Many sure signs show plainly much must change
Along the path away from human health.
How long path man with sorrow had to feel
Full many a fetter has been riveted
Which in our day Both weigh on many souls.
As to the service it may render man.
We see how in man's daily life on earth
Man's life itself becomes mechanical.
Many have sought with painful diligence,
Might no more lame the soul-life of mankind
How man should act towards his fellow-men.
I have myself spent many a solemn hour
In thinking out this riddle of man's life.
Restore that freedom to humanity
That every man shall have what he may need
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Title: Four Mystery Plays: Guardian of the Threshold: Scene 2
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Bear fruit in all the worlds, where power of man
Thou had'st to part for many years with much
Who went from thee, so that thy human soul
Ye think to see before you now a man
Would not have wished to lead me. Ahriman
What human-beings think they know of him
For Ahriman hath clearly shewn to me
Which Ahriman in his own realm revealed.
Then I shall have to love great Ahriman
Hides close from mankind.
Reveals to mankind.
Which far from man's thought
Doth rouse in mankind.
Where man must lose what once he hath attained.
Full many a glance thou hast toward spirit-realms

Title: Four Mystery Plays: Guardian of the Threshold: Scene 3
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Through which mankind fulfils its spirit-life.
He finds important many threads of fate
And when the human soul can clearly see
The human being who here talks with thee
At times he feels aware of human souls,
Seems but a shadow in the human soul,
So through his body man may serve the gods.
Self-knowledge for that very human soul
But I command thee not to speak a word
Man carries hidden in his nature's depth.
And at this moment I demand him back.
Then once more shall he find himself as man.
Thou hast appeared, and here am I, a man
But since that time each soul of man hath been
That unto mankind's gods it gave itself.
Thou from the first deceived'st all mankind,
‘Man's human nature shall through love find out
The fruits of Love can only come to man

Title: Four Mystery Plays: Guardian of the Threshold: Scene 4
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In spirit-life I was a starving man
To find the worth of life and goal of man.
For thou didst show me that man's spirit seeks
Within the human soul. What thus I saw
And formed ... the image ... of an earthly man. ...
The man in whom I always have believed. ...
How of himself and Ahriman he spake —

Title: Four Mystery Plays: Guardian of the Threshold: Scene 5
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These many years there hath been granted me
To spend on Earth for many years as yet
Shown herself helpful to so many men.
I plied her oft with many questionings —
Capesius speaks in such a manner strange
With human knowledge, which, if treated thus
All human knowledge, that it may approach
To try to clear my thoughts about this man.
Which can just now make blind so many souls.
Which he one day must render to mankind

Title: Four Mystery Plays: Guardian of the Threshold: Scene 6
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Spirits, and the latter by Ahriman and his Spirits. The dance movements
Ahriman, and Creatures which move in a dancing fashion and which represent
Where words do not depend on human speech,
and Ahriman from the other. They go to their thrones raised
Lucifer on the right of the stage, Ahriman on the left.)
Ahriman (speaking
on Ahriman's side move and carry out dancing movements which
Ahriman:
(The thought-beings on Ahriman's side repeat their movements,
Ahriman:
(Repetition of the movement in Ahriman's group.)
Ahriman remain: Philia, Luna, and Astrid advance from the background,
In these domains which Lucifer commands
Ahriman:
Who have curtailed my many ancient rights.
I wished to give unto mankind such strength
So that I might not make mankind too strong.
(As Ahriman finishes speaking, Benedictus appears.)
And manifest the light 'midst breathing men.
So turn and go unto mankind and bring
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Title: Four Mystery Plays: Guardian of the Threshold: Scene 7
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Dull human dream existence following.
The gods desire to draw near to mankind
Thou must first part with many of those powers
And given as his own to Ahriman.
To keep back many men from here, who would
Pouring from Lucifer to human souls
By that same God Who dwells within mankind
That dignified old man, his solemn face,
That yon old man may go his way in peace,
As once mankind in olden times on Earth
The old man's soul doth trace that line of thought
They speak of that old man with reverence deep.
And in his life full many a time it chanced
To enter his own home, a man disgraced;
But since the man's proud soul was soon compelled
The man who was the teacher of this band
With my soul's sight, this aged man, who thus
The greatest human task — to conquer self —
The man to whom I wholly give myself,
Surely I once was pupil of this man
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Title: Four Mystery Plays: Guardian of the Threshold: Scene 8
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Ahriman's Kingdom. No sky is visible. A
glutton, etc., etc. Ahriman is seated on a rock. Hilary, Frederick
The wise direction for full many a plan
Of human acts, to ripen in due course,
Ahriman (in a feigned voice, sardonically):
Ye now believe that Strader is the man
What he hath won for progress of mankind
So all that he may do to help mankind
That what I wish shall happen to this man
(Ahriman becomes invisible.)
Ahriman (who
To age-long pains of hell that human soul
ignorance of the fact that they are in Ahriman's kingdom. The
which are audible in Ahriman's kingdom. Strader, who also appears,
Ahriman:
Ahriman:
Ahriman:
Ahriman (audible
Michael Nobleman:
In human life, will surely find that I
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Title: Four Mystery Plays: Guardian of the Threshold: Scene 9
Matching lines:

garden overlooking a town with many factories.
To heal this human woe by deeds of love.
And when with human words so wise and true
Which through his words doth reach the heart of man.
That best may serve to further human health.
For many years I could find nought but thoughts
What I could learn from Ahriman himself,
Twelve helpers from the number of mankind.
Which Ahriman showed forth, drew near to thee,
And I could feel quite sure that Ahriman
So Ahriman desired to mould the souls
My work from out the realm of Ahriman
It was through Ahriman thou hadst to learn
To human progress and perform such work
I have to feel myself a twofold man.
Ye now have given me a manhood new

Title: Four Mystery Plays: Guardian of the Threshold: Scene 10
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And one man's error had to guard it once,
The inner soul of man is fructified.
My son, the words man utters in this place
And yet the man who stands here visible
Endowed with second manhood, which the first
In mine own human personality.
For such time as the spirit doth command.
Which mankind scarce can understand aright.
He might call water evil, since a man
From that same spirit which can guide mankind
As bearer of the light to man's soul-sight
But then the human soul will always wish
But, more than any other spirit, man
When He Himself doth dwell within man's soul,
A man may turn to Lucifer and feel
But to that other Spirit man doth cry,
Which Karma spins in human lives on Earth.
Demand the debt Maria owes to him,
In many a temple which it seems to me
If Ahriman were not opposed to it.
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Title: Four Mystery Plays: The Soul's Awakening: Editorial Summary of the Scenes
Matching lines:

Hilary's business is threatened with disaster because of his attempt to introduce into it his spiritual ideals and occult methods. He has engaged as controller of his machinery, Strader, who is generally known to be a failure because of his impractical inventions. With him comes a group of similar “cranks.” Hilary's old manager is in despair.
Johannes is a prey to delusion and loves to wander in his own dreamland. He is warned by Maria and Benedictus. Capesius, in a moment of clairvoyance gets a glimpse of Johannes' inner mood, and is so alarmed that he decides that there can be no blending of spiritual gifts with earthly things, and he withdraws from Hilary's group and goes to the old mystic Felix. Maria urges Johannes to discriminate between truth and self-delusion which can be done by the study of elemental sprites.The dance of gnomes and sylphs.The Youth of Johannes appears. It is in despair because it is separated from Johannes. Lucifer tries to console it with promises of human wisdom and love of beauty. Theodora offers divine wisdom.
Arguments on plans of action and occult powers, during which Ahriman glides stealthily across the stage to bring dissension and confusion of thought among the speakers, who are ignorant of his presence.Strader's temptations.Felix speaks on mysticism.The appearance in spirit form of Maria and Benedictus to help Strader, and of Ahriman to thwart him. There is a repetition of Strader's part in Scene 2.
Similar discussions between Hilary's manager and Romanus. Ahriman had succeeded in separating the various mystics. (see Strader's vision on p. 268.)Romanus makes a great impression upon the manager.Johannes and his double.Ahriman scoffs at the Guardian of the Threshold. Strader with Maria and Benedictus. The vision of the latter is troubled.
Drop scene. Egyptian woman (otherwise Johannes Thomasius) is in love with a man who is a neophyte or candidate for mysticism and about to retire from the world. This mystic is known to us otherwise as Maria.
About 2000 B.C. The hierophant (Capesius) has refused to use his thought power to suggest to the candidate what his vision should be. The candidate has a free vision looking far into the future. A breath of love and freedom is wafted into the closely sealed precincts. The truth shall make thee free. But with this rebellion against the old order, there is a consequence. Lucifer and Ahriman hitherto chained within the temple break their chains and begin to work their will. The ancient temple has been invaded, but the Ego begins to wake. The reader will not over-look, in all this cosmic development, the individual development of the different characters which are difficult to understand from the other plays with-out this glimpse into their previous incarnation. The author has presented it in this order, as it corresponds to the reader's own experience.
Ahriman's manner, shape, and speech betray the fact that he is being found out by the followers of Benedictus. Ahriman hopes, however, to catch Strader. Note the satire indulged in at the expense of those occultists, theosophists, and others whose air of superiority makes them a laughing stock. Note also the last lines showing the importance of remembering the dead.
Hilary and Romanus.
Strader's death is announced and Hilary's manager is converted.
Secretary and Nurse.The Secretary's speech.Ahriman's shape is here even more that of the conventional devil than in Scene 12. This is to show that his true nature is now fully grasped by Benedictus and his followers. This is seen in Ahriman's last speech. Note Benedictus' speech about the dead and their messages (p. 293).Benedictus tells Ahriman that one can only serve Good when one does good not for oneself.Ahriman's knowledge of his own final destruction.The defeat and exit of Ahriman.The triumph and initiation of Strader; his future power.

Title: Four Mystery Plays: The Soul's Awakening: Editorial Summary of the Scenes
Matching lines:

Hilary's business is threatened with disaster because of his attempt to introduce into it his spiritual ideals and occult methods. He has engaged as controller of his machinery, Strader, who is generally known to be a failure because of his impractical inventions. With him comes a group of similar “cranks.” Hilary's old manager is in despair.
Johannes is a prey to delusion and loves to wander in his own dreamland. He is warned by Maria and Benedictus. Capesius, in a moment of clairvoyance gets a glimpse of Johannes' inner mood, and is so alarmed that he decides that there can be no blending of spiritual gifts with earthly things, and he withdraws from Hilary's group and goes to the old mystic Felix. Maria urges Johannes to discriminate between truth and self-delusion which can be done by the study of elemental sprites.The dance of gnomes and sylphs.The Youth of Johannes appears. It is in despair because it is separated from Johannes. Lucifer tries to console it with promises of human wisdom and love of beauty. Theodora offers divine wisdom.
Arguments on plans of action and occult powers, during which Ahriman glides stealthily across the stage to bring dissension and confusion of thought among the speakers, who are ignorant of his presence.Strader's temptations.Felix speaks on mysticism.The appearance in spirit form of Maria and Benedictus to help Strader, and of Ahriman to thwart him. There is a repetition of Strader's part in Scene 2.
Similar discussions between Hilary's manager and Romanus. Ahriman had succeeded in separating the various mystics. (see Strader's vision on p. 268.)Romanus makes a great impression upon the manager.Johannes and his double.Ahriman scoffs at the Guardian of the Threshold. Strader with Maria and Benedictus. The vision of the latter is troubled.
Drop scene. Egyptian woman (otherwise Johannes Thomasius) is in love with a man who is a neophyte or candidate for mysticism and about to retire from the world. This mystic is known to us otherwise as Maria.
About 2000 B.C. The hierophant (Capesius) has refused to use his thought power to suggest to the candidate what his vision should be. The candidate has a free vision looking far into the future. A breath of love and freedom is wafted into the closely sealed precincts. The truth shall make thee free. But with this rebellion against the old order, there is a consequence. Lucifer and Ahriman hitherto chained within the temple break their chains and begin to work their will. The ancient temple has been invaded, but the Ego begins to wake. The reader will not over-look, in all this cosmic development, the individual development of the different characters which are difficult to understand from the other plays with-out this glimpse into their previous incarnation. The author has presented it in this order, as it corresponds to the reader's own experience.
Ahriman's manner, shape, and speech betray the fact that he is being found out by the followers of Benedictus. Ahriman hopes, however, to catch Strader. Note the satire indulged in at the expense of those occultists, theosophists, and others whose air of superiority makes them a laughing stock. Note also the last lines showing the importance of remembering the dead.
Hilary and Romanus.
Strader's death is announced and Hilary's manager is converted.
Secretary and Nurse.The Secretary's speech.Ahriman's shape is here even more that of the conventional devil than in Scene 12. This is to show that his true nature is now fully grasped by Benedictus and his followers. This is seen in Ahriman's last speech. Note Benedictus' speech about the dead and their messages (p. 293).Benedictus tells Ahriman that one can only serve Good when one does good not for oneself.Ahriman's knowledge of his own final destruction.The defeat and exit of Ahriman.The triumph and initiation of Strader; his future power.

Title: Four Mystery Plays: The Soul's Awakening: Persons, Figures, and Events
Matching lines:

The Manager of Hilary's business of sawmills.
Magnus Bellicosus named Germanus in ‘The Portal
Romanus who is here re-introduced under the
Ahriman.
BEINGS OF THE ELEMENT OF HUMAN SPIRIT:
spiritual beings through whose agency the human soul-forces
The Soul of Ferdinand Fox in the realm of Ahriman (Scene
Capesius, Felix Balde, Dame Balde, Romanus, Maria, Johannes Thomasius
to be mere symbols or allegories. Anyone interpreting them in this manner
and events. On the other hand, it must be said that the manner in which

Title: Four Mystery Plays: The Soul's Awakening: Scene 1
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He is a manufacturer of sawn woodwork.
Manager:
So many as were our admirers then,
Manager:
Manager:
A serious diminution in demand
For what we manufacture; nor do we
As many clients truthfully attest.
And thus supply for daily human need
Manager (after
That thou shouldst find a man to realize
The man to realize what I propose?
That Strader is, in fact, this very man.
And I who, knowing this man's inner self,
And my own duty to humanity,
To find a field of work for such a man, —
Manager (surprised):
Am I to look on Strader as this man?
In his case hath it not been manifest
Unto a man who came to grief himself
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Title: Four Mystery Plays: The Soul's Awakening: Scene 2
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Brim up the air with riddles manifold,
The man who, flooding thee with spirit, rose
Through thy will into human deeds. He must
Finds many a hint to shape his destiny.
So 'tis with man, what time his better self
Such is the sleep all human beings sleep
A living man, he claims his natural rights
And place them near to demons manifold
Who dwell close linked with dormant cosmic powers
When human souls still slept (said slowly and dreamily)
That mankind may enjoy
When stumbling human sense
And fumbling human mind
When young mankind's dawn-life
And old mankind's errors
I find deep-seated in the human soul.
But without human wisdom. So shalt thou

Title: Four Mystery Plays: The Soul's Awakening: Scene 3
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Enter left, Magnus Bellicosus, Romanus, Torquatus,
Torquatus is speaking (page 183), Ahriman enters left, glides stealthily
Romanus:
Romanus:
Another sign doth still make manifest
Romanus:
What can the spirit products of this man
Romanus:
Who bring to many a mystic danger great
How highly thou dost rate the man whom he
Romanus:
With all the worldly goods at my command
Romanus:
In human life they well may stand so close;
And in that work, thou dost but manifest
Which I have sought unwearied many years,
In which the human spirit feels itself
A man cannot attain the spirit-world
That is the mystic mood. When waked in man
And seeks, through human sense-activities,
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Title: Four Mystery Plays: The Soul's Awakening: Scene 4
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(The Manager and Romanus, pausing in their walk,
Manager:
And I perceive in thee a clever man
Romanus:
Manager:
Thou off'rest little and demandest much.
What saith this spirit of that brave strong man
Romanus:
His servant certainly was that old man
Manager:
Romanus:
In life and work and service for mankind
Manager:
How shall I manage to protect mine own
Romanus:
Manager:
A dreamer — over thee — the man of deeds!
Romanus:
Manager:
That hold a value for mankind's whole life?
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Title: Four Mystery Plays: The Soul's Awakening: Scene 5
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reddish outer-garment, shaped like a mantle and gleaming
elemental spirit modified to resemble a man's; the head less
bowed, and the limbs more human.)
Ahriman:
Full many figures are they fashioning;
One, many years ago, slid gently by
Demand a payment in, thy next earth-life.
That thou as man mayst recognize the man
When Saturn soon his many-coloured light
Ye souls who now at Lucifer's demand

Title: Four Mystery Plays: The Soul's Awakening: Scene 6
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This spirit-realm with many-coloured rays,
Romanus' Soul:
Romanus'
Romanus' Soul:
On yonder shore of souls. A human form: —
‘From source divine hath sprung the human soul;
I take thy words to many cosmic spheres,
Romanus'
(The souls of Romanus, Torquatus, and Bellicosus disappear — Benedictus'
The earnest word of Fate, that human souls,
And, loving it, shall live as it commands.
Astrid, to thee I give a strict command:

Title: Four Mystery Plays: The Soul's Awakening: Scene 7
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So far as human forethought can provide
Hath filled the temple now for many days.
His human nature is well known to me.
In dealing with a man who still is young
I do not judge the man, I judge the deed
Into the current of our human life.
Such silence his high dignity commands.

Title: Four Mystery Plays: The Soul's Awakening: Scene 8
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As in Scene 7. An Egyptian woman is seen crouching
Egyptian woman:
Romanus, and with him the Impersonator of the Air Element, an earlier
and Ahriman to the right in the guise of sphinxes, with the cherubim
emphasized in the case of Lucifer and the bull in the case of Ahriman.
All hath been done that our rite doth demand.
O human soul, read now what through the flame
Reflected sparkling colours manifold;
As ancient holy duty did demand.
The young man therefore path declared to us
(The sphinxes begin to speak one after the other as Ahriman
Ahriman as Sphinx:
With rightful meaning into human life.

Title: Four Mystery Plays: The Soul's Awakening: Scene 9
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‘O human soul, read now what through the flame
When in times past I uttered this command,
That woman, too, who near the temple stayed,

Title: Four Mystery Plays: The Soul's Awakening: Scene 10
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The woman whom my spirit-vision sees;
That woman doth the youthful mystic seek,
The woman near the temple shows it thee

Title: Four Mystery Plays: The Soul's Awakening: Scene 11
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Romanus lately told me of his plan:
The labouring oars were under my command;
Romanus and the friend of Hilary —
Lo! Ahriman stood by their side to help.
An inward fight — a fight with Ahriman:

Title: Four Mystery Plays: The Soul's Awakening: Scene 12
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to be being pressed downward from the roof. (One hand of Ahriman is a
Ahriman (at
Within the world of form. A man doth strive
The spirit-tangle, which to human eyes
Am but a woven thought in human brains.
(Ahriman goes off and returns with the soul of Fox, whose
Ahriman: (Aside)
I now have need of Strader. If this man
Will make his wisdom known amongst mankind.
When once a man hath formed a clever scheme
By dint of many nights of earnest thought
Had such a man as he shunned mystic snobs,
Much fruit and profit for humanity.
Ahriman:
But these are not so pleasing to mankind,
(Ahriman leads out Fox's soul and again blindfolds the
Ahriman (alone):
Ahriman:

Title: Four Mystery Plays: The Soul's Awakening: Scene 13
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Romanus are in conversation.
A man who, full of shrewdness and of hate,
Romanus:
The things this super-clever man hath shown.
Romanus:
A man through error finds the way to truth.
Romanus:
Undaunted by the watchman will he stride
Whene'er a human soul is rightly strong
‘A man can not attain the spirit-world
Who only seeks a mood for many years.’
'Twill strengthen thee with many-coloured light;
Already as a man upon the earth,

Title: Four Mystery Plays: The Soul's Awakening: Scene 14
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Wife in conversation with the Manager.
Manager:
Unable to be loosed by human sense —
Manager:
He was another man, a happy man;
Manager:
I feel as if my manhood would be lost
To help Romanus, whom I understand
Romanus only cares for Strader now;
Thou see'st the man with only that much sight
With which Romanus hath entrusted thee;
She too were present. Many mystics can
Romanus hath acquired of their worth.
Manager:
The judgment of Romanus seems to me
A man can only give me who can win
Manager:
Manager (alone):

Title: Four Mystery Plays: The Soul's Awakening: Scene 15
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A great man surely doctor Strader was.
A man of lofty spirit and great gifts
Was naught but love. Love seeks for many forms
Of life in which to manifest.
Was Ahriman my foe; a spirit stood
(Ahriman appears; Benedictus sees him.)
(There is no longer any illusion about Ahriman. His form is
much more inhuman; his right arm is bone, his right hand a
Ahriman (aside):
And manifests to us from his own worlds,
Ahriman:
When thou dost lose thyself in human thought
Ahriman (aside):
(Ahriman disappears.)
Now only do I see 'tis Ahriman,
His aim is to confuse the thought of man
So shall they learn to know his many forms,
E'en at such times as dusky Ahriman,

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