Related drafts for the first, second, and third scenes

BENEDICTUS: We stand here on the ground of the spiritual realm, Which lies beyond the realm of earthly existence. And what is reflected on earth only as thoughts, Is revealed here as strict reality. — As the fruit of his spiritual training, Johannes has been allowed to bring bring the best earthly knowledge to mankind. And if such knowledge alone could bring salvation and blessing to the world, the way in which he proclaimed his knowledge would have to prove itself effective in the long term. But this knowledge alone is meaningless. It works through those forces that unfold in man As his personal life unfolds. Johannes' message mysteriously works With this, his soul being itself on people. Therefore, the message will only bring salvation If he can find the way in the spiritual realm That is appropriate for the proclaimer of good wisdom. His work will be ruinous to earthly life, When Theodora's life expires. The spirit before us is capable Of erasing this life from the realm In which it alone is capable of working. And this work of death has already begun.