Page 17 - Charnock alchemical letter

Of a confabulation had, between
Master Thomas Charnock,
and an Oxford Man,

concerning the science and work, of natural philosophy:
Anno domi 1565 the 10th
of December.

I had not finished this my Epistle most mighty princess but a few days,
or that there came down into the country an Oxford Man, an old
acquaintance of mine, well learned, and of a good judgement, who came
stealing upon me into my study chamber, and saluted me with this
salvation, saying.

The Oxford Man

God save you good Master Charnock, and I am glad to find you merry,
and in good health, and how have you done this three years past.

Master Charnock

Merry, and in good health, I thank God, and the better for your asking,
and that you will vouchsafe to come and see me, for I desire such learned
men’s company as ye are. And beholding and looking about, he said.

The Oxford Man

Now by my troth here is a fair library of books and well augmented since
I was here last: and here is your map, your sphere, your globe, your
astrolabe, your quadrant, your puppis for navigation, and everything so
featously [elegantly] that it is a joy to me to see it. But I pray you how
did you speed with your Epistle which you told me you will dedicate
unto the Queen majesty concerning the science of natural philosophy?

Master Charnock

In good faith it is not yet above seventeen days ago since he was begun
and also finished, and as I continue in a wavering mind, whether ever I
shall present it, or never.

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