The Little Golden Olympic Treasury in Three Parts

[not to] withhold, but rather wish to gladly publish and communicate them, partly at my own original Latin: "meis [sumptibus]" and partly at others' expense original Latin: "alienis sumptibus", in order to give others—who undoubtedly possess such writings as well—guidance and encouragement, so that they do not bury such excellent and useful writings with themselves, but also let them come to light, for the advancement of divine glory and the spiritual and physical improvement, welfare, delight, and refreshment of their fellow man.

However, Most Gracious Emperor and Lord, since Your Imperial Majesty's most highly praised, most Christian-kind, and most blessed in memory, renowned and praiseworthy predecessors original Latin: "Antecessores", Kings and Emperors, have given no small advancement and most graciously shown favor to this divine, heavenly, and high art of Alchemy original Latin: "Alchymiæ", but also bore a particular, heroic affection original Latin: "Affection", desire, love, and favor toward it; indeed, they even occasionally practiced it themselves, finding pleasure and refreshment in it. (For it is such an exceedingly lovely and immensely delightful study that anyone who catches even a single glimpse through the cracks of the gates original Latin: "per portarum rimas" into this secret philosophical garden of the Hesperides original Latin/Greek: "Hesperidum"; in mythology, the Hesperides were nymphs who guarded a garden of golden apples, which alchemists used as a metaphor for the golden goal of their Work as a lover can never again abandon it.)

Furthermore, Your Imperial Majesty no less follows this highly praiseworthy example original Latin: "Exempel" of your ancestors with great fame and praise, sparing no expense to learn something of it and to reach a fortunate conclusion: indeed,