The Theoretical Brothers, or the Second Stage of the Rosicrucians

"In this," said the philosophical courtier, "I recognize entirely the benevolent ruler of Scheschian Scheschian is the fictional kingdom in this narrative, used by the author to provide a thin "Oriental" veil for philosophical and political critiques of European society.. — May God long preserve Your Majesty for the welfare of your subjects. —"

The better-thinking portion, therefore, who called themselves Knights Templar Knights Templar: Historically a Catholic military order, but here depicted as seekers of hidden wisdom who transitioned from soldiers to scholars, allied themselves—while their brothers were sacrificing their fellow men to a misunderstood zeal—with certain so-called Essenes Essenes: An ancient Jewish sect known for communal living and piety; here they are cast as the keepers of secret natural philosophy. These Essenes formed their own secret society of virtuous theists and naturalists naturalists: "Naturforscher," those who study the laws and phenomena of the physical world; the Templars allowed themselves to be initiated by them, carrying their institutions, their intentions, and their discoveries back to Europe. There, they continued to stand together, secretly spreading light and reshaping the customs of their era.

Soon, however, these men rose to a power that became fearsome to the Sultan reigning at that time. The riches accumulated through the diligence of these knights also excited the greed of the despot, and so he resolved upon their destruction. Some villains among them (and where