Page 31 - Book of Composition

King Calid : Explain this which you have spoken.

Morienus : The disciples of Heraclius demanded and said, “O good
master, the wisemen which have been before us, have left books of this
Magistery to their children and disciples. Therefore, Master, we entreat
you that you would not conceal from us the exposition of this Magistery,
but that you would explain that to us, which the forefathers have left dark
and obscure.” And he said, “O Sons of wisdom, know that God the
Highest Creator has created the world of four unlike Elements, and has
placed man the greatest ornament between these Elements.”

King Calid : Give me yet the explanation of this thing.

Morienus : What should I use many words to you, for this thing is
extracted from you: the mineral of which you are, for they find it with
you. And that I may speak more truly, they take it of you, which when
you shall try, the love and delight of it shall be increased in you. And
know that this is true and undoubtable.

King Calid: Have you at any time known any other stone that may be
likened to this stone, by whose effect and power this self-same thing
might be perpetrated?

Morienus : I have not known any stone which might be likened to this
stone, or which may have the effect of it. For in this stone the four
Elements are contained, and it is likened to the world and to the
composition of the world, neither is there any stone found in the whole
world, which is likened to this, that is in Creation or Nature. Therefore
his labour is altogether in vain, who shall seek any other stone in this
Magistery. There is yet one thing more which you must learn, that is to
say, the beginning of this Magistery : for I will remove you from all
error. See therefore that you pass not this root, nor sometimes seek the
mutations of it, because you shall not find any fruit or goodness being
sought for of that. Likewise I counsel you that you altogether observe
those things which have been spoken of before.

King Calid : O Morienus declare now unto me the quality of this
disposition, for God will now be in our aid.

Morienus : I will tell it unto you it has been delivered to me of the
ancient fathers, for you demand it well. Therefore in the direction of this
confection observe these parts of disposition, constituted rationally in
their order, and by no means let them pass. The first of them is Coupling,
the second is Conception, the third is Impregnation, the fourth is

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