The Secret of Secrets of Aristotle

A large historiated woodcut initial 'F'. Inside the rectangular frame of the letter, two hares or rabbits are depicted standing on their hind legs in a heraldic pose, facing each other over a small flowering plant. The background consists of stylized floral and foliate patterns.

Most glorious son of justice, may the emperor Referring to Alexander God confirm you in the way of knowing the path of truth and virtue, and may He repress your bestial appetites, and confirm your rule, and illuminate your intellect for His service and honor. I have indeed received your epistle honorably, as is fitting, and I have fully understood that you have a desire for my person, that I should be with you.

You wonder how I argue that you care little for your own works; furthermore, for this reason, I have destined and proposed to make a canon a rule or standard of your clemency, which will be a book weighing all your works, supplying my place, and a most certain rule for all things which you may desire and which I would show you if I were present with you. You should not, indeed, argue with me, since you know or ought to know that I do not omit coming to your most extensive glory out of contempt, but because the gravity and weakness of my body have surrounded me and rendered me heavy and unable to travel. Because you have asked and desire to know, it is a secret such that human breasts will scarcely be able to endure it; how then can it be depicted in mortal skins? To that which it befits you to inquire and is lawful for me to treat, I ought to and am duly bound to respond. Just as you are bound by the duty of discretion to learn, do not demand more of me regarding this secret which I have handed to you in this book. If you have read and understood it attentively and studiously, and fully know what is contained therein, I doubtlessly believe that there will be no obstacle between you and that which you desire to know, because God has bestowed upon you such grace and intellect in the speed of your wit and knowledge of literature, in addition to this teaching of mine which I have handed to you, that you yourself will be able to comprehend and figuratively understand all that...