Philosophical Dialogue between the Flying Mercury and a Common Smelter

you have before your hearts The catchword from the previous page suggests "hearts" (Herzen) completes the opening thought. in all your works, so that you may finally enjoy something fruitful from them.

Smelter. Oh yes, you perhaps think I am also an alchemist, my dear Mercury, and would also let myself be led on and deceived, and vexed by your antics? Oh no, I am not so foolish; I have always guarded myself against that. I prefer to take what GOD bestows upon me in my labors, and specifically what I can gain and obtain through my smelting; thus I know for certain that I shall never lack. But with you and your kind, I do not wish to have much to do, for should I rely on you in my smelting-works original: Schmelz-Arbeiten; the physical process of extracting metal from ore using heat. and have you with me at all times, I know for certain I would be abandoned enough; for you would bring me more harm than benefit, and take more away from me and make things volatile original: flüchtig; literally "flighty," referring to substances that evaporate or vanish when heated., rather than fixing Fixing: The alchemical process of fixatio, turning a volatile, spirit-like substance into a solid form that can withstand fire. and binding them for me as you should; therefore do not even think that I will desire you as an assistant in my affairs.

Mercury. You good Smelter, you cannot go without me for even a moment—not without having to deal with me or my kind—even if such a thing remains a hidden matter to you now original: anitzo; an archaic German term for "at this time." because of your ignorance, since you do not yet rightly know me in my nature and essence and therefore hold me in great contempt. If you were only properly acquainted with me and understood my secret workings in your fire-works Fire-works: Feuer-Arbeiten refers to any metallurgical or chemical process involving high heat and furnaces. from their foundation, you would certainly prattle quite differently. I moreover pity this darkened simplicity of yours...