Reg.lat.1381 (15th-16th century) - Page 22

Pray that God may grant these holy gifts to you.
They are the medicine for your body and your soul.
They will make you rich in wealth and powerful in titles,
So that you may find favor with great princes.
Ponder in your mind for what reason Adam lost his endowments original: "dotes." This refers to the "Original Justice" or the state of grace Adam possessed before the Fall.,
And Samson his strength.
Do you see how Saul was stripped of his kingdom through his crimes,
And David was punished for his debaucheries? original: "stupra." This refers to the Biblical King David’s adultery with Bathsheba and the moral failings that led to turmoil in his house.
Do you see how that most handsome of men The author refers to Absalom, David's son, who was famous for his beauty but died when his long hair became caught in the branches of an oak tree during a battle.
Hung himself in an oak tree by his own hair?
Do you see Hezekiah, afflicted with disease because of his sins,
And how many others have perished in a similar way?

But on the contrary original: "At contra." This is the catchword, intended to lead into the next page's contrast of virtuous behavior.


Term	Meaning
Adam	original: "Adamus" The first man, who lost his divine gifts through disobedience.
Samson	original: "Samson" The biblical judge who lost his strength when his secret was betrayed.
Saul	original: "Saulus" The first king of Israel, who lost God's favor and his throne.
David	original: "Dauid" The king who suffered for his moral failings.
Hezekiah	original: "Ezechiam" A king of Judah who was struck with illness as a trial or punishment.
perished	original: "interijsse" To have died, passed away, or been destroyed.
medicine	original: "medicina" A remedy or cure; in an alchemical context, this refers to the Elixir’s power to heal the body and "perfect" the soul.
endowments	original: "dotes" Natural gifts, talents, or divine qualities granted to a person.