The Epistle

wing, like that Dove sent out of the Ark, seeking a place to rest: she is busied in a restless Inquiry original: "Inquisition"; here meaning a diligent search or investigation., and though her Thoughts, for want of true Knowledge, differ not from Desires, yet they sufficiently prove she has not found her Satisfaction. Show me then but a practice wherein my Soul shall rest without any further Investigation original: "Disquisition"; a formal inquiry or a searching for truth., for this is it, which Solomon calls Vexation of Spirit A reference to the biblical Book of Ecclesiastes (1:14), where King Solomon laments the futility and frustration of earthly existence., and you show me, What is Best for Man to do under the Sun. Surely, Sir, this is not the Philosopher's stone A legendary substance in alchemy believed to turn base metals into gold; the author uses it here as a metaphor for a "perfect solution" or ultimate secret of nature., neither will I undertake to define it, but give me leave to speak to you in the Language of Zoroaster Zoroaster (or Zarathustra) was an ancient Persian prophet; in this period, his name was often invoked to represent ancient, mystical, or hidden wisdom.:

original: "Quære"; the Latin imperative for "seek" or "search."