end. Tempest catches a passing glimpse of his dead wife, and feels remorse and pity at last. A few moments pass and Tempest's hour has come, an hour for a great decision:
"Know from henceforth that the Supernatural
Universe in and around the Natural is no lie,—but
the chief Reality, inasmuch as God surroundeth all!
Fate strikes thine hour,—and in this hour 'tis given
thee to choose thy Master. Now, by the will
of God, thou seest me as Angel;—but take heed
thou forget not that among men I am as Man! In
human form I move with all humanity through endless
ages,—to kings and counselors, to priests and
scientists, to thinkers and teachers, to old and
young, I come in the shape their pride or vice demands,
and am as one with all. Self finds in me
another Ego;—but from the pure in heart, the high
in faith, the perfect in intention, I do retreat with
joy, offering naught save reverence, demanding
naught save prayer! So am I—so must I ever be—till
Man of his own will releases and redeems me.
Mistake me not, but know me!—and choose thy
Future for truth's sake and not out of fear! Choose
and change not in any time hereafter,—this hour,
this moment is thy last probation,—choose, I say!
Wilt thou serve Self and Me? or God only?"
The choice is made. Tempest realizes with
shame his miserable vices, his puny scorn of God
his effronteries and blasphemies; and in the sudden
strong repulsion and repudiation of his own worthless
existence, being, and character, he finds both
voice and speech. "God only! Annihilation at
