The Guardian of the Threshold: Scene 6

Ahriman: At birth I was the equal of the gods, Who have curtailed my many ancient rights. I wished in such a way to fashion men For Lucifer, my brother, and his realm, That each should bear his own world in himself. For Lucifer in spirit worlds but seeks To show himself as peer among his peers; To others he but shows his form sublime; He ne'er would seek imperious rulership. I wished to give unto mankind such strength That they might grow to equal Lucifer. And had I stayed within the realm of gods This too had been in primal days fulfilled. The gods however willed to rule on Earth, And from their kingdom they did one day thrust My power into the depth of the abyss, So that I might not make mankind too strong. And thus 'tis only from this place I dare Send out my powerful strength upon the Earth. But in this way my power turns into *Fear*.