Spagyric Anatomy of Mercury

especially in this most corrupt and factious age, in which to go about disparaging the Fame and genius of good men, and to gnaw at even the best and most excellent things, or to deprave them with the worst tricks, is almost considered a matter of praise and Virtue. For although that MOMUS the Greek god of mockery and blame, that most perceptive contemplator of all works, whether of Gods or of Men, and their most wicked quibbler and critic, has long since ceased to be among the living, his offspring is nonetheless still resilient, truly quite numerous, not destined to exit the theater of this life until the decaying world, having completed its fatal period, collapses.

If I obtain this prayerful favor from YOUR Illustrious Highness, I would have you be certain that I will be, at all times, indebted and obligated to YOU for any services of a most submissive spirit.

What remains is that I invoke and solicit the celestial pambasilea universal king/ruler, GOD, with devout prayers, that He may preserve YOUR ILLUSTRIOUS HIGHNESS as a most firm protection of the Church and