The Equinox (Volume I, Number V)

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.