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First that empire which was founded on the tree of knowledge; then that which was founded on the tree of the cross

And the third?

The third is the empire of the great mystery; that empire which shall be founded on the tree of knowledge and the tree of the cross together, because it hates and loves them both, and because it has its living sources under Adam's grove and under Golgotha.

And this empire shall come?

It stands on the threshold. I have counted and counted

[Breaking off sharply.] The whispering again! Who are my guests?

The three corner-stones under the wrath of necessity.

Who, who?

The three great helpers in denial.

Name them!