Symbols of the Golden Table of the Twelve Nations

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Another by the same author. original: "Aliud eiusdem"; referring to Michael Maier, the author of the book.

The Golden Ages are said to have passed under King Saturn, In Roman mythology, the "Golden Age" was a period of primordial peace and prosperity when Saturn ruled the earth.
    If the ancient fable deserves any credit.
Then Peace was celebrated in the whole world, nor was there any
    Honor for Mars; then the wolf lived among the sheep. Mars was the Roman god of war; his "honor" refers to the glory sought in battle.
There was use for neither swords nor curved plowshares,
    Since the earth gave all seeds of its own accord.
Indeed, every single field shone with yellow metal,
    And hidden treasure-vaults were found frequently in hollow places. original: "fauissa" (favissa); a term for underground cellars or pits in temples where sacred objects were kept. Here it suggests nature's hidden alchemical wealth.
Then also there lived an assembly famous for their piety,
    A crowd of men whom the learned school of sages follows.
To all there was one reverence for the Deity, but not
    One language, nor was the race native to just one soil.
Known over the lands for their Art and writings throughout the world, "Art" here refers specifically to the Hermetic Art—the practice of alchemy.
    They surely earned eternal glory:
Let oblivion erase their names in no future ages,
    Names which flourish without conflict, even though time devours all.
Hence let them be honored by me with holy devotion,
    And let them flourish undefiled in my annals.
Greetings, Heroes, Hermetic hearts; through the ages, "Hermetic" refers to Hermes Trismegistus, the legendary founder of alchemy.
    Farewell, old men, illustrious by the Palladian art. original: "Palladiâ arte"; Pallas Athena was the goddess of wisdom and crafts. In this context, it refers to the intellectual and technical skill required for alchemy.