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The manuscript is severely faded; text on the right page is barely legible, and the left page is blank.
Certain people acknowledge that Wisdom is wonderful,
but few are so wise and divine that
they are able to reach the foundation of the world.
For whoever is unable? to see? this art
hidden under such humble matter does not arrive? at the light.
Therefore? it is necessary? to know? that? the matter? of this? mastery?
is? common? and? held? vile? and? trampled? by? all?.
Yet? in? it? lies? the whole? power? of nature? which? philosophers?
strive? to awaken? through? various? operations? so that? from? it?
the purest? and? true? gold? and? silver? may be brought forth?.
Therefore? the student? of this? art? must? watch? diligently?
and? imitate? nature? itself? lest? he stray? from? the right? way?,
because? without? it? he will be able? to accomplish? nothing? good?.
For labor? without? knowledge? is? empty? and? void? of fruit?.