The Hermetic Museum, Restored and Enlarged

PREFACE. 5

...under an anagram, he manifested himself to you, and by his own enigma. Why then should I prostitute myself to this unclean world? In this, friend, be content, that I wished to show myself to the wise, and to demonstrate my name, as has been abundantly done, leaving the rest to God, thrice best, greatest, who, if he knows this will redound to the glory of his name and to my and your benefit, will make me known to you soon enough. Do not inquire too closely into my name. For even if perhaps you know this, or you know me myself, nevertheless you will be compelled to acquiesce in this little treatise. I have sworn to Bernard, Count of Tresnes and Neiges, to philosophers, and to equity, that I would reveal nothing further to any man than has been done here. Do not also be concerned whether I hold this precious treasure in my hands: inquire rather whether I have seen how the world was created? How the darkness of Egypt behaved itself? What is the cause of the rainbow? What appearance will bodies have, clarified by the universal resurrection? What is the most constant color? But from you, who rightly understand this little book of mine, I ask whether you have seen that great and salty sea, without any corrosion, which is enough to raise the tinctures of all things even to the highest mountains? Tell me where is sulfur from sulfur, and mercury from mercury? Or where is sulfur from mercury, and mercury from sulfur in turn? When was the idea of the most ardent love subjected to your eyes, where the male and the female tightly embrace each other, so that even in the future they can never be torn apart, but because of an inscrutable love they become one thing; If you have understood what this is that I say, and you have worked that very thing with your hands and have seen it with your eyes, I am your companion, and more certain you
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