An Hermetic Work.

Nevertheless it hath brought advantage to the Reader , for I have since exceeding ly abbreviated my former Translation with the Epistles , & c . not diminishing sense or matter , and have acljoyned my own Philosophical Figured Epitaph , with Alchahest , Elixis , Sameeh , and their explanations , then also to be Printed , which I dedicated to my worthy Friend Elias Ashmole , Esq ; But I have now further added Pythagoras Metaphysical Figure , with a most excellent , brief , and rare piece of an unknown Author ,

called , The Dawning of AVisdom , as also the new Chymical Light of Glauber , wherein I have managed Mydas his Golden Ass , so as to make him serviceable to all this Nation , to bear their burthens , bringing him with these new Lights and Treasures here before your judicious view , as to a great MecEenas and strict examiner of Learning ; hoping b y the dawning or clear light of AVisdoin , you will judge both this Ass and Calf to he without all Ignomy and Scandal , having a facility to speak as well for themselves , and

their Innocency , as Ba-Lambs . Nay , to he Pliylosophically learned , and as richl y Laden , as those formerly sent with rich Presents , to Patriarchs or Princes , being plentifully stored with Gold , and other richer , miraculous , and inexhaustible Treasures . M y Presumption for these Names I hope will he pardoned , heing Philosophical terms ; and though such their Lading may be sufficiently stored in your Treasuries , and might seem holdness to he sent from so mean an Artist , yet suffer me to present them to the world

, ( though hut as an Eccho or Vibrating Glass ) to re-double the sound , and reflect the Beams of your Virtues and Learning abroad , Famous already by your own works and worth . I confess Honourahle Sir , This my Dedication , as a stranger , is especially grounded on the Fame of your Goodness , and Communicative Charity , the Truest and Noblest Badges of Honour , which if so , will now pardon me . But I stop here , taking off the imputation of base self endsor flattery , by my concealmentwith Diogenes his

, , recess of Privacy , But remain Your Honours well wishing and humble Servant , April 1 . 1671 . AV . C . Or twice five Hundred . Laurum Amice eligis Rus .

To Ms Worthy and much Honoured Friend , Elias Ashmole , Esq ; One of the Kings Majesties Hcraulds at Arms , and Comptroller of the Excises through all England . Honoured Sir , HAVING hut barely , though faithfully Translated this Hehetius , treating of the most Dedi

rare and experimental Transmutation of Metals ; I thought it not fit to make any - cation , but seeing I have adjoyned my own Epitaph , with several Scutcheons , Mottos , and Explanations , with Pythagoras his General Figure , Blazoning Philosop hical Herauldry , and also the Akhahest , Sameeh' with other Elixirs , & c . I consulted it was very proper to present the same to your Judicious view , whose abilities mig ht challenge the same , especially since 3 received some civilities from you , of a little like Mature , ta lishman

the small intermission of my Long troubles , 1662 . Likewise heing an Eng , whose Patronage in general you seem to avouch by those Worthy Collections of Eng hsft Philosophick Chymical Authors , formerly published by you . I know you have another Coat of Arms for my Paternal Family , in your Heraulds Office , winch would suit wi » the said Epitaph , if it were only as it is also intended lor a plain Sculpture to he upon my Grave Stone : Yet such Scutcheons had not been so proper for this place , these being in the

chiefly here intended for the Philosophers Stone , agreeing with my said Epitaph , Elements , Principles , and whole perfection thereof , excellently manifested by our & ® English Phamix , or Elias Artisto Anonymon , in his Book of The open entrance to w shut Pallace af the King . Now some perchance may think it incongruous for any m to publish his own Epitaph , or annex any such Novel Scutcheons . Yet since they » n their explanations are Philosophick ( and the Philosophers Patrons are Truth » Reason , which should govern all aorta of man ) I was UIQ more QC ifioVnt of alloT