Yet will I strive to free myself from him.
Long years ago he flooded my soul’s depths
With spirit being; none the less today
No more do I desire to harbour him.
Thou stranger being in Johannes’ soul
Forsake me—give me back my pristine self
Before thou didst commence thy work in me.
I would behold Johannes free of thee.
(Benedictus appears at Maria’s side, equally as a thought of Johannes.)
Benedictus: