EPISTOLA

withhold them; instead, I wish to publish and communicate them, partly at my own original Latin: "meis" and partly at others' expense original Latin: "alienis sumptibus". My intent is to provide guidance and encouragement to others—who undoubtedly possess similar writings—so that they do not bury such excellent and useful works with themselves, but rather let them come to light for the advancement of divine glory and for the spiritual and physical improvement, welfare, delight, and refreshment of their fellow man.

Because, however, most gracious Emperor and Lord, Your Imperial Majesty’s most praiseworthy, most Christian-mild, and most blessed ancestors original Latin: "Antecessores"—kings and emperors of glorious memory—provided no small promotion and showed most gracious favor to this divine, heavenly, and high art of Alchemy original Latin: "Alchymiæ"; they even bore a special, heroic affection, desire, love, and favor toward it, and at times even practiced it themselves, finding delight and refreshment in it.

(For it is an exceedingly lovely and immensely joyful study, such that anyone who catches even a glimpse through the cracks of the gates original Latin: "per portarum rimas" into this philosophical secret Garden of the Hesperides In Greek mythology, a guarded garden that grew golden apples; alchemists used this as a metaphor for the secret knowledge required to produce the Philosopher's Stone or "alchemical gold." can never again, as a true lover of the art, abandon it.) Furthermore, Your Imperial Majesty follows this most praiseworthy example of your ancestors with great fame and praise, sparing no expense to learn something of these secrets and to reach a blessed conclusion. Indeed—