Concerning the Divine and Sacred Art, handed down without Enigma and written for practice.

Open this book with a pure and honest heart, and read it with friendly eyes; for you will find therein a great treasure deposited, and one most excellent, as it descends from God. It was sought for a long time by Charles V Holy Roman Emperor (1500–1558) at great and truly imperial expense and cost, and at last, by Divine grace, was miraculously acquired by a Brother of the Rose Cross Rosicrucian, who, at great cost and with no small loss of soldiers, liberated it from the jaws of a Tyrant. It has not been heard by anyone that he set it forth so easily or communicated it so sincerely as this master did. Thus, the most glorious emperor, from his instruction, saw and did it most diligently, and took care to have it written down for the heirs of his Crown. However, how this Divine secret of nature came into my hands is not permitted for me to disclose; let it suffice that it was the highest secret and greatest treasure of the invincible Charles V. Truly, whoever you are who have found this treasure, you may exclaim with the highest admiration for the stupendous secret of nature: O Nature, above nature, superior to all other natures! O Nature, raised above yourself! Far surpassing other natures! O Nature, who procreates all things and holds them herself, remaining similar to yourself, and alone leads them to perfection! O Multiplied Unity, and discrepancy reduced to unity! O Always the same Nature, and never [ending],