Fragment

from the

History of the Kings

of

Scheschian.

— If anyone should complain that this is more biting than befits a Christian—it is not I, but Democritus who said it. — original Latin: "Si quis calumnietur mordacius esse quam deceat Christianum — non ego, sed Democritus dixit." This quote comes from Erasmus of Rotterdam, who often used the persona of the "laughing philosopher" Democritus to shield himself from criticism when writing satire.

Erasmus.

"What then are these RosicruciansGerman: Rosenkreuzer. A legendary secret society of mystics and alchemists who claimed to possess secret wisdom from the ancient past, including the ability to transform base metals into gold.?" asked
Shah Gebal—of the philosopher Danischmende,
who sat before him.

Danischmende: "They are exorcistsGerman: Teufelsbanner. Literally "devil-banners," referring to those who claim the magical power to command or drive out evil spirits. and
makers of gold, Your Majesty."

"Oh, do tell us something about them,"
interrupted the curious, black-eyed Nurmahal