Page 36 - Charnock alchemical letter

that among the philosophers, you would be in number
let never philosophy, your wills overcome
for he that knoweth not, the substance of the thing
shall never find of his work, the ending
what say you to your sulphurs, and your mercury
think you they will make conjunction, in your distillery
no, without you had brought in your bag the man in the moon
your work without him, cannot be perfectly done
hold your peace quoth they, and speak no more
you are one of our science, which we knew not before
but we much marvel, how one of your age
should so well understand, philosophers’ knowledge
for we have studied this science three years apiece
it can we not get but thereof a fleece.
If you have a fleece, you are well for your part
for since I was seven year of age, I have studied that art
and seven year by practice, I have followed the same
yet in all this time hitherto, it will not with me frame
yet I wish you to note, what I say to you here
I promise you truly, you have a wrong sow by the ear
I mean towards this science, as far as I can see
you go as right, as my leg at the knee
then one of them spoke to me, and that very courteously
and said sir I pray you let us have your company
while you are in the town, and we will bear your cost
be it never so good cheer, we will pay for the rest
and thinking the science, had been to be sold
they proffered me to teach them, a portegue of gold
I refused their gift, and thanked them for their proffer
yet plenty of coins, they had in their coffer
but within three months, and moreover a week
they had as many faces, as pertains to a sheep
Lo, thus by their boldness they were undone
for they had over congealed both moon and sun
and brought their elixir, to such an exaltation
that unto their purse it was worth a purgation
taken in any evil aspect, as in the tale of the dragon
the moon being carried in the beams of evil fortune
Its a restorative they found at length
to set their purse again in his strength

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