18
THE RITES OF ELEUSIS
I find no hint throughout the Universe
Ofgood or ill, of blessing or of curse;
l find alone Necessity Supreme;
With infinite Mystery, abysmal, dark,
Unlighted ever by the faintest spark
For us the flitting shadows ofa dreamt
Ο Brothers of sad lives! they are so brief;
A few short years must bring us all relief:
Can we not bear these years of labouring breath ?
But if you would not this poor life fulfil,
Lo, you are free to end it when you will,
Without the fear of waking after death.
[Blow out red lights.
[BRO. CAPRICORNUS EMISSARIUS runs out with tom-tom and
dances wildly.
At the
conclusion
AQUARIUS and
CAPRICORNUS run up, tearing the veil asunder.
BRO.
CAPRICORNUS EMISSARIUS fling: himself at foot of
altar.
CHORAGOGE lights salt again, or other glare.
MAGISTER TEMPLI is discovered lying dead, his head
supportedby MATER CCELI weeping]
[CAPRICORNUS exting uishes the light.
[AQUARIUS draws the weil.
[MATER CCELI plays thefinal hopeless dirge.*]
[Silence
AQUARIUS Brother Capricornus, what is the hour?
CAPRICORNUS. Noon.
AQUARIUS. Let us depart; it is accomplished. [Full light.
[CAPRICORNUS stands with drawn sword oefore the veil;
the others escort thepeople ant.]
* Marche funebre : Waddell.