The Tree of Science

[Decorative border consisting of repeating floral and scrollwork motifs]

THE TREE OF SCIENCE
Of the VENERABLE AND DIVINELY
illuminated Father RAYMOND LULL of Majorca, whose admirable compilation and fruit will be indicated on the reverse of this (page). And in whose commendation is this extemporaneous Epigram by Josse Badius Ascensius to the pious reader.

Receive, from the scientific trees, the golden apples of Raymond, bright with heavenly light.
Which, if you, reader, eat and store in your innermost heart:
You will call (them) Moly, or divine Ambrosia.
Behold, in this arboreal forest you see trees endowed with four times seven members.
All (of them) filled with life-giving woods and fruits:
Which, if you taste well, you will hunger for nothing more.
For every fruit of the mind grows in this tree,
Which makes all things worthy of knowledge clear.
Therefore, although more excellent than Atlantean gold,
This glory elevates citron tables.
Indeed, the trees of the Paradisiacal forest are not
To be compared to this, even if those (trees) gave knowledge.
For those (trees) harmed Adam with forbidden fruits:
These (trees) are able to give life to his kind.
Therefore, the Balearic (Islands) owe much to you:
To whom these good things of yours, Llull, have been sent.

• 3