Page 20 - Charnock alchemical letter
P. 20
Master Charnock
I brought it for that time very trimly forward, wherein I did rejoice, more
than in any worldly good which I do possess, and then I had an occasion
to ride to Bristol and left my man at home to tend to my fire, who against
my coming home had burnt all my work: the loss whereof was like to
cost me my life.
The Oxford Man
Well, let that past, pass. And this I perceive, that the whole sum of the
Queen’s charges which you mean to put her majesty unto for seven
years, comes to the sum eight one hundred £. But I pray you how many
servants do you mean to keep in the Tower for that purpose?
Master Charnock
We will not be in all above the number of six as I and my wife, two men,
and two maidens.
The Oxford Man
What and there be no set place for you in the Tower which if there be, it
is possible it may not conveniently be spared?
Master Charnock
Yea, there is places I know which will be spared, and also set for my
purpose, for my works will not ask such great rooms, but shall stand in
my chamber by my bedside, on every side one, and in each of these shall
be two workers a-working, and a tabernacle to spare, to draw out your
superfluous moistures.
The Oxford Man
Why I pray you do you point to set up your works in the Tower, more
than in any other place near or about the city?
Master Charnock
There is as mete [appropriate] places in, or about, the city as is the
Tower, as in some solitary place near unto Paul’s or Westminster, where
as I may lead a most solitary life in serving of God daily, and in tending,
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