The Theoretical Brothers, or the Second Grade of the Rosicrucians

(are there not always such people?) were secretly bought to testify against the society and its principles. — They were accused of the most shameful crimes, they were imprisoned, their property was confiscated, and since in those times one only needed to be a minor natural philosopher original: "Naturforscher" — in the 18th century, this term referred to anyone studying the physical world, often through early chemistry or physics. to be branded a sorcerer — without hearing their defense, they were publicly burned as such —

"Burned!" cried the tender Nurmahal with horror — "that is terrifying!"

"Yes, my dear lady! Reason of state original: "Staatsinteresse" — the political doctrine that the interests of the government or monarch override all moral or legal considerations. has surely occasioned even greater villainous deeds than burning sixty knights for the sake of a few hundred thousand purses A reference to the massive wealth of the Templars seized by King Philip IV of France.." —

These unfortunate knights, who suspected their imminent downfall, hid their writings and knowledge, and some of the survivors collected these and continued their society under another name. —

"And the Rosicrucians original: "Rosenkreuzer" — a legendary secret society of mystics and alchemists whose origins were often linked to the Templars in Enlightenment-era lore.?" asked Shah Gebal in a tone that was a cross between boredom and annoyance. —