The Guardian of the Threshold: Scene 6

Dame Balde (in a meditative voice suitable for fairy tales): Once on a time there lived a child of God Who had affinity with those who weave The thoughtful wisdom of the spirit-realms. This child, brought up by truth's almighty Sire Grew up within his realm to ancient strength. And when his body, radiant with light, Did feel his ripened will creative stir, He often looked with pity on the Earth Where souls of men were striving after truth. Then to the Sire of truth the child would say: ‘The souls of men are thirsting for the drink Which thou canst hand to them from out thy springs.’ With earnest speech the Sire of truth replied: ‘The springs, of which I am appointed guard, Let light stream forth from out the spirit-suns; Only such beings dare to drink the light As need not thirst for air that they may breathe. Therefore in light have I brought up a child Who can feel pity for the souls on Earth And manifest the light 'midst breathing men. So turn and go unto mankind and bring The light that's in their souls to meet my light Enfilled with confidence and spirit-life.’ So then the shining light-child turned, and went To souls who keep themselves alive by breath. And many good men found he on the Earth, Who offered him with joy their souls' abode. These souls he turned to gaze with grateful love Upon their Sire who dwells in springs of light. And when the child heard from the lips of men And joyous mind of men, the magic word Of fantasy, he knew himself alive Dwelling with gladness in the hearts of men. But one sad day there came unto the child A man who cast upon him chilling looks. ‘I turn the souls of men on earth toward The Sire of truth who dwells in springs of light—’ Thus to the strange man did the light-child speak. The man replied: ‘Thou dost but weave wild dreams Into men's spirits, and deceiv'st their souls.’ And since the day which witnessed this event The child who can bring light to breathing souls Hath often suffered slander from mankind.