THE TESTAMENT OF HADRIAN

CONCERNING THE GOLDEN

Stone of the Philosophers.

A small, decorative woodcut initial 'T' is adorned with leaf patterns and swirling scrollwork, acting as a decorative start to the word 'Thesaurum' (Treasure). You hold a treasure here, Reader, which was found through great care and immense expense of use. If it pleases you to make it your own, Apollo the god of light and healing, here representing the source of alchemical wisdom, the generous giver of God's gift to us, does not begrudge it. I open my secrets to honorable men; these things were produced for the common good at the voice of those asking. I am not at all anxious about what Zoilus a proverbially harsh and cynical critic might snarl with his mouth, gnawing at whatever he likes with insane daring. It is enough for a fair judge who is wise that this labor of ours has not displeased him. To carp at anyone is easy; to imitate praised deeds belongs to the few whom Jupiter the king of gods, representing divine favor has fashioned from a better metal and commanded to discern the crooked from the straight. To these judges I subject all these things, and whatever more profound mysteries of the Gold-flowing Fountain the source of alchemical transformation God has granted us to know by unlocking the hidden approaches of nature. For him to whom it is permitted to penetrate these things (permitted to only one offspring of the divine Sophia Wisdom, though by a certain Guide, a Guide by the divine gift of the supreme father), happy Wisdom blesses him with a radiant face. Honor rises for him; for him, plenty from a rich horn causes him to surpass even the most abundant royal treasures!