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

very pleasant. And the cook FAVNUS invited another guest to the meal, named SERPENTIGER the serpent-bearer, who had to share in the supper. And as they were living in the greatest joy and had heard a great stringed instrument in the air, a labor pain came over Vestæ as her birth hurried toward the day. But because no one was there who took care of her in her need from the heart, Serpentiger let himself be used. For this, VESTAE rewarded him faithfully. She did not want to let him wander away again, but gifted him richly with good presents. She gave him a piece of silver for clothing that she herself had never worn before. And as the child became manifest, it was a black worm. A fleeting spirit, who was entirely fiery, quickly called this worm into an ear, and there the worm transformed into another shape. FAVNUS, however, was asked by Coelo to carry the child to baptism, which his own servant poured over with water, and the child was named SATVRNUS, which name