MERLIN TO THE APT JUDGE original: "MERL. APTO IVDICI." The title addresses an "Apt" or "Fit" Judge, potentially a sarcastic contrast to the "Sober Judge" of the previous page, or a warning to those who believe they are naturally prepared for deep philosophy without proper training.

It is as when a dog comes to the plow;
Or as when a Camel wishes to climb to the stars;
It is as when, with a frog leading the way, a shrew-mouse swims the river; A reference to Aesop’s fable where a frog ties a mouse to its leg to help it cross a river, only to dive down and drown it. It signifies a dangerous or deceptive guide.
As when slow donkeys hurry to the hunt,
Or a cuckoo attempts to snare wolves,
It is as when pigs desire to fly—
There is something here poorly suited by nature. original: "natura malè appositum." Merlin lists "adynata" (impossibilities) to show that some people attempt tasks for which they have no natural "aptitude," despite the title's address.

However, this is not a fault of the Instrument, Instrument: "Organele." This likely refers to the "Organon" or the logical/mnemonic system Bruno is teaching. He argues that if the student fails, it is due to their own nature, not his method.
Nor of the one inviting you to dig,
Or of those carrying out fishing expeditions,
Or of the one who must fly through the air with suitable wings,
Or of the teacher of the hunt and the snare.

If you feel yourselves to be apt diggers,
And not at all unsuited for flying,
For fishing, for hunting, and for snaring,
And if, therefore, there are no grounds for lamentation:
I will grant this to you, provided that you grant me this:
That you have entered the labyrinth without a thread. original: "labyrinthum sine filo." A reference to the myth of Theseus, who needed Ariadne’s thread to find his way out of the Minotaur’s labyrinth. Merlin suggests that even a "fit" person will be lost in complex philosophy without the proper "thread" or method.