EPISTLE.

...had either cleared [magic] from the charge of impiety, or handed it down to us in a pure and sincere form. Indeed, those of the more recent writers whom I have seen—Roger Bacon, Robert the Englishman, Peter of Abano, Albert the German original: "Albertum Teutonicum," better known as the famous theologian and scientist Albertus Magnus., Arnald of Villanova, Anselm of Parma, Picatrix the Spaniard, Cecco d'Ascoli the Florentine original: "Cicchum Asculum Florentinum." An astrologer and poet who was famously executed for heresy in 1327., and many others of obscure name—when they promise to pass on magic, they have provided nothing but certain delusions backed by no reason, or superstitions unworthy of all honest men. Because of this, my spirit was stirred within me; and out of both admiration and indignation, I too wished to engage in philosophy. I believed I would be performing a praiseworthy work—since from my earliest youth I have always been a curious and fearless explorer of wonderful effects and operations full of mysteries—if I were to restore Magic itself (the ancient discipline of all the wise) redeemed from the errors of impiety, purified, and adorned with its own logical principles, and to defend it from the insults of its detractors.

Although I have long deliberated this within myself, I never before dared to step into this arena original: "in hanc arenam descendere." A classical metaphor for entering a public contest or debate. until now. However, after the conversation we shared at Würzburg original: "Herbipoli." concerning these matters, your preeminent skill and learning, and your ardent encouragement, gave me boldness and spirit. Therefore, selecting opinions from Philosophers of proven faith, and purging the introduction of the wicked ones—who, lying with a feigned knowledge, taught that the traditions of the magi should be sought from the rejected books of darkness as if from the very inner shrines of wonders—I have, after dispelling the darkness, recently composed three books of magic condensed with brevity, and inscribed them with the less offensive title of Occult Philosophy original: "De Occulta philosophia." This remains Agrippa's most famous work..

I now submit these to your examination, for you possess the fullest skill in these matters, to be corrected, judged, and evaluated. If anything written in them by me might tend toward an insult to nature, an offense to the heavenly beings, or an injury to religion, you should condemn the error. But if the scandals of impiety are dissolved and purged, then defend the tradition of truth. Deal with these books of ours, and with magic itself, in such a way that nothing that could be useful is hidden, nor anything that could do nothing but harm is approved. Thus, let these books, approved by your examination, at last be worthy to go out into the public under happy auspices, without fearing the judgment of posterity. Farewell, and look kindly on these bold beginnings.