"I know that," said Berger, "but to despise the world is but the first stage of the three on the road to the Great Mystery."
"And which is the second stage? Mention it, so that I may reach it at once!"
"To despise one's self."
"And--the third?"
They were standing before the gateway. Berger rang the bell; the door sprang open.
"And the third--the last stage?"
"Despise being despised."
"And the mystery itself--the Great Mystery?"
"He who has passed all three stages knows it and understands it without asking any questions. He who asks about it does not know it, and cannot understand it. Oswald, farewell; we shall meet again!"
Berger pressed Oswald once more to his heart; then he entered through the gate, which closed immediately upon him.