JOHANNES TRITHEMIUS, ABBOT OF ST. JAMES AT

Würzburg original: "Herbipolis," the Latin name for the city of Würzburg., formerly of Sponheim, to his own Henry Cornelius

Agrippa of Nettesheim, health and

love.

A large decorative initial 'O' inside a square frame, featuring intricate foliate patterns and scrolls.

Your work, most distinguished Agrippa, titled On Occult Philosophy, which you offered to us for examination by the bearer of these presents—with what great pleasure we received it, no mortal tongue can ever express, nor the pen of a writer reveal. We are led by the greatest admiration for your uncommon learning: that you, being so young, penetrate such secrets and mysteries hidden even from many most learned men, and have been able to bring them to light not only beautifully and truly, but also appropriately and elegantly. Wherefore, first, we give thanks for your kindness toward us, and if we are ever able, we will undoubtedly return the favor according to our strength.

We approve of your work, which no one among even the most learned men will be able to praise enough. Furthermore, we advise, ask, and pray with what urgency we can, that you continue your studies toward higher things as you have begun, and that you do not let such excellent powers of your talent grow lukewarm through idleness. Exercise yourself by your labor always toward better things, and show the light of true wisdom—by which you are most greatly and divinely illuminated—even to those who are ignorant.

Nor let the consideration of any scoundrels hold you back from your purpose, of whom it is truly said: The weary ox plants his foot firmly original: "Bos lassus fortiter figit pedem." A proverb suggesting that those who are slow of mind or "tired" in their thinking are often the most stubborn in their opposition to new or deep ideas.. Since, in the judgment of the wise, no one can be truly learned who has sworn by the basics of only one faculty alone. Divinity has gifted you with a talent both ample and sublime: do not therefore imitate the oxen, but the birds. Do not think you should linger around particulars, but confidently direct your mind to universal truths; for each person is thought more learned the fewer things he is ignorant of. Indeed, your talent, being fully fit for all things, should reasonably be occupied not with a few or the lowest things, but with many and more sublime ones.

One precept, however, we warn you to keep: that you communicate common things to common people, but higher and secret things only to higher and secret friends. Give hay to the ox, but sugar only to the parrot. Understand my meaning, lest you be subjected to the kicks of oxen—as has happened to many. Farewell, happy friend, and if there is anything in our power that can be of use to you, command it and you shall see it done without delay. And so that our friendship may gain strength daily, write to us often and send some of your late-night labors original: "lucubrationum," referring to scholarly works written by lamplight. urgently, we pray. Again, farewell. From our monastery at Würzburg original: "Peapolitano," a reference to the New City (Neapolis) or the specific district of the Abbey of St. James in Würzburg.. The 8th day of April, in the year