a.]

LISA. Here in this peaceful church the good fairy promised me that I
should meet him--How shall I behold him now? Has he learned aught of
life, or is he still the same selfish, pleasure-loving youth who pursues
only fickle fortune? If he had had the courage to do a bad act in a good
cause, then he would at least have shown that he could make a sacrifice
for something besides himself; for the most that we can give to a cause
is our precious regard for ourselves. Higher powers demand that such and
such shall take place; they choose the instruments where they will and
none may give up the commission, even if it means going under. My friend
was not that sort, and therefore, therefore--Hush! I hear footsteps--It
is he! No, I would not meet him yet; I must collect my thoughts. If I
conceal myself here--in the confessional--[Steps in.]

[Enter Pehr.]

PEHR. [Drops down on a prayer stool, left.] She flees from me, as I
flee from my bad thoughts! Alone, forsaken--what more is there for me in
life? Naught have I learned of life save its nothingness, and no wishes
are left to me but evil ones. My soul would be like an empty shell were
it not filled with her! My life--Ah, what has it been? [Pall pounds on
floor.] What was that?--Ghosts in the sunshine? That would be a funny
sight! [Broom raps on floor.] Again! 'Tis said that one can see ghosts
in broad daylight, if one peeps through a door-crack, it is even
maintained that one can see oneself. _Oneself_--! If one could really
do that, how easy it would be to evade one's worst faults! I'll try it.
[Opens door left and places himself behind it.]

[Pehr's shadow steps up into the pulpit, drinks from the goblet, and
turns hour-glass. Pehr stands at door with back to spectators.]

SHADOW. My beloved hearers! [Pall, Broom, Bartholomew and Laurence
stir.] My beloved hearers and you, Pehr, who stand behind the door,
my sermon will not be long since the hour is already late and it is
especially to this so-called _Lucky Pehr_ that I would address a few
remarks. Yes, you, Pehr--you have rushed through life like a fool, in
pursuit of fortune; all your wishes have been fulfilled--save one and
they have brought you no happiness. Pay attention, you who stand behind
the door! You have made no leap through life, for on that track one runs
well. All the experiences through which you think you have passed were
but dreams; for, believe me, one wins no wishes with luck-rings out here
in Reali