On the Occult Philosophy or the Secret Miraculous Birth of the Seven Planets and Metals

...in this more with understanding than a common person, for whom such Secreta secrets are hidden, and wished to publish under their name, with the confidence that you, Honorable Sir, will take this in the best light and accept it from me in good faith. I attach the request to everyone that they should read this small Libell little book with discernment and understanding, and take care that no Superstitiones superstitions are mixed in, nor that it may be drawn into another improper understanding. Confer these parables and poetic poems with Nature; do not force anything foreign into them, but understand them simply and plainly in the philosophical manner, and let them be and remain a poetic speculation. Furthermore, I leave it to your judgment, Honorable Sir, as a more learned man, to decide upon this. I hereby commend you to the protection of the Highest for long-lasting health. Given at Frankenhausen? the 20th of August in the year 1602.

Johan Thölde.

missing in the Vienna copy