The King's satisfaction was disturbed by the
Great Giant stumbling along the Bridge. "Although he reeled into the midst
of men and cattle in the clumsiest way his presence was felt by none."
The King remained calm. The Giant walked to the door of the Temple. "He
halted and was fixed to the ground, his shadow pointed out the hours which were
marked in a circle on the floor around him."
"The people pressed towards the door of the Temple. The Hawk with the
mirror soared aloft caught the light of the Sun, and reflected it upon the
group, which was standing on the Altar.
The King, the Queen and their attendants seemed illuminated by a heavenly
splendour.
To the present hour the Bridge is swarming with travellers and the Temple is
the most frequented on the whole Earth." (Goethe's text)
It is now broad day and a stately Bridge could
be seen stretching with many arches across the River.
There were many foot travellers and animals upon it "flowing like two
streams on their several sides and neither interrupting the other. The new King
and his spouse were delighted with the motion and activity of this great
people." (Goethe's text)
The Old Man asked everyone to remember and honour the Green Snake for the
sacrifice and contribution she had made towards the neighbouring banks of the
River now being one land.
To the Queen's surprise a fourth unknown young waiting maid appeared. She was
more beautiful than any of her other three maids. She had previously carried a
basket.
In
this Reading the Youth regains full consciousness and becomes a Prince.
Whilst being between the Youth and the Lily the Old Man cried out with a
loud voice, "There are three which have rule on earth, Wisdom, Appearance
and Strength."
When he said these words each of the four kings reacted in different ways,
with the Gold, Silver and Bronze Kings bestowing gifts upon the Youth. The Will-o'-wisps lick the gold veins from the Mixed King who then disintegrates.
Following the Youth receiving the gifts the Old Man saw him change in
demeanour in very remarkable ways. He had become a Prince.
The Prince then advised the Old Man he had forgotten the fourth power that
rules all the world. The Old Man responded with his final wisdom.
