Fourth Book of Occult Philosophy

A decorative horizontal border consisting of thirteen repeating woodcut fleurons with a stylized floral or bud motif.

To his good friend the Author, on his Translation of Occult Philosophy and Geomancy.

Most noble undertakings! It is as if Art
And Prudence should make a bargain to impart
Refulgent original: "refulgent lustres"; meaning radiant or shining light brilliance: you send forth a ray
Which even the noblest Patrons never could display.
Well may Diana The Roman goddess of the moon and hunting, often associated with hidden knowledge and the night love you, and inspire
Your noblest Genius with celestial fire,
Whose sparkling Fancy with more power can quell,
And sooner conquer than a Magic Spell.
The Author Referring to Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa, the original author of "Occult Philosophy" thought not, (when he penned the book)
To be surpassed by a higher look,
Or be overtopped by a more triumphant strain,
Which should exalt his then-most pleasant style.
But seeing that a later descendant
Has snatched his honor from obscurity,
Both shall revive, and make spectators know
The best deservers of the Laurel A symbol of victory and poetic excellence bow.
Nature and Art here strive to get the victory:
And though he refuses to yield,
You have gotten the start: though he triumphs in praise,
Yet may his Ivy A plant associated with poets, but often ranked below the laurel wait upon your Bays Laurel wreaths given to honor great achievements.