The Soul's Probation: Scene 5

Capesius: What have I seen and heard! It lay on me Just like some nightmare. Came Thomasius Walking like one who is absorbed in thought; Then he stood still; it seemed as if he talked With someone, and yet no one else was there. I felt o'ercome as by some deadly fear; And saw no more of what went on around. As if I were asleep, and unaware, I must have sunk into yon picture-world Which I can now so clearly call to mind. It can indeed have been but little time I sat and dreamed, unconscious of myself; And yet, how rich was yonder world of dreams, What strange impressions doth it make on me. Persons were there who lived in bygone days; I plainly saw them move and heard them speak. I dreamed about a spirit-brotherhood Which strove with steadfast purpose to attain Unto the heights which crown humanity. Among them I could clearly see myself And all that happened was familiar too. A dream.—... yet most unnerving was that dream. I know that in this life I certainly Can ne'er have learned to know the like of it. And each impression that it leaves behind Reacts like very life upon my soul. Those pictures draw me with resistless power.— O if I could but dream that dream again.