Six-Line Poem of the Author to the Honest Reader

In classical tradition, Momus was the god of mockery and unfair criticism, while a Mime (Mimus) represented a superficial actor or buffoon. Maier uses these figures to contrast the serious, fair-minded reader with those who would dismiss or misunderstand his alchemical secrets.

The Daughter of SATURNTruth (Veritas) is rescued from the shadows by our toil,
original: "SATVRNI Filia". In Renaissance emblems, Truth was often called the daughter of Time (Saturn). In alchemy, this also hints at the "metallic" truth extracted from leaden, Saturnian matter.
And brought forth anew into the light, she is offered through labor;
Reader, see, O honest one, she is carried into your arms,
If you will not be an unjust judge censoran official or critic who passes judgment on a work in your verdict.
Nothing is easier for the Mockers than to despise even the best of works,
original: "Momis"
But nothing is more difficult than to produce things that might please the Buffoons.
original: "Mimis". This implies that satisfying the whims of the superficial or unlearned is a heavy and ultimately fruitless burden for the serious scholar.

A very faint, ghost-like image of a classical column on a square pedestal is visible on the left side of this page. This is a common occurrence in 17th-century books known as "bleed-through" or "offsetting," where the ink from a heavy engraving on a facing page has seeped through or transferred over time.