Admonitory Epistle to the Calumniator.

Hey you, Mersenne, behold and see Fludd—whom you have so sharply excited and provoked with calumnies and insults—stepping into the public arena of the contest. You have deigned to look over his volumes strictly and by an analytical way, even with eyes, as they say, of Lynceus A mythological figure known for his keen sight. For this diligence of yours, you have done him a very welcome service, for you have accurately visited their method, corrected their errors like an index, refuted them, and detected the characters of atheism, heresy, and magic in them with unheard-of caution. You have done well, if well enough, and as becomes a just and religious man—if justly and religiously enough. If, therefore, by returning like for like, by compensating you with a similar measure of favor and diligence, Robert should lightly (all incivility set aside) run through that volume of yours. If he should search out certain errors in it, and, with your peace, correct them once found; if he should perhaps detect the stigmata of atheism, or at least of true and not imaginary heresy; and if, after that, he should revisit your observations on his works—will anyone think that you, Marin, a man so Catholic and religious, indeed an imitator of Christ, and consequently by duty humble, mild, and gentle, will rage beyond measure at unjust indignation? We call him ungrateful who does not return grace to one who deserves well; wherefore, if well enough, it will be well with you; if badly, then malice will require its own reward. Meanwhile, be wise and farewell.

I am he whom you so avidly seek.

Rob. Fluddo.