Fourth Book of Occult Philosophy

A horizontal line of ornamental woodcut printer's ornaments, resembling stylized fleur-de-lis or floral motifs, spans the top of the page.

To his ingenious friend Mr. Turner,

upon his Translation.

Thrice-noble Soul! renowned epitome
Of learning and occult philosophy; original: "Occult Philosophie"; refers to the study of hidden or supernatural powers in nature.
Who imparts that unknown geomancy, original: "Geomancie"; a method of divination that interprets markings on the ground or the patterns formed by tossed handfuls of soil or rocks.
With profound secrets of that obscure art!
To explain natural magic is your task; original: "Natural Magick"; in this period, this referred to the scientific study of the hidden properties of plants, minerals, and stars, distinct from "black magic."
Not to unmask hell-born necromancy; original: "Necromancie"; the practice of communicating with the dead, often associated with black magic.
Exposing mysteries to public view,
That previously were known to very few.
You do not keep your knowledge to yourself,
(As base, covetous misers do their wealth; original: "pelf"; a derogatory term for money or wealth, especially when gained dishonestly.
Whose numerous bags of rust-eaten gold
Profit no one, until they themselves are laid in the earth)
But, being studious of the public good, you make
Everyone partake of the fruits of your labors.
Therefore, if some fault-finding critic blames
Your writings, surely then his judgment is flawed.
Art has no hater but an empty head,
Which can far better complain than imitate.
Indeed, Zoilus or Momus will not dare Zoilus and Momus were figures from Greek mythology and history used as personifications of harsh, unfair, or cynical criticism.
To blame your translation, which is beyond compare
Excellent. So that if a hundred tongues
Mother Nature had bestowed, and lungs of brass,
Yet to rightly proclaim your praises, original: "ebuccinate"; from the Latin "ebuccinare," meaning to trumpet forth or proclaim loudly.
I would lack strength, as well as polished phrases.
But if the Gods will grant what I do crave,
Then Enoch’s translation shall you have. A clever pun on the word "translation." In the Bible, Enoch was "translated" (taken directly) to heaven without dying; the poet hopes the author receives a similar divine reward for his literary translation.