Page 40 - Charnock alchemical letter

sought Master Norton because he heard that he was in reputation with the
king for this science. But what was the other?

Master Charnock

Master Norton sayeth

Another example it good to tell
of one that trusted to do as well
as Ramon Lully,16 or Bacon the friar
wherefore he named himself Savzpaere
he was parson of a little town
not far from the city of London
who was taken for a half a leech

but little cunning had he to preach
he wenyd [thought] him sure, this art to find
his name he would have ever in mind
by means of a bridge imagined in dotage
to be made over Thames, for light passage
whereof should grow, a common ease
all the country there about to please
yet though he might this work fulfill
it might no wise, suffice his will
wherefore he would, set up on high
that bridge, for a wonderful sight
with pinnacles gilt, shining as gold

a glorious thing for men to behold
then he remembered, of the now
how greater fame, should him pursue
if he might make that bridge so bright
that it might shine, also by night
and so continue, and not break
then all the land of him would speak
but in his mind ran many a doubt
how he might bring, that work about
he trowed that lamps with light of fire
should well perform his nice desire
wherefore lamps, for that intent

he would ordain sufficient
but then he fell, in full great dread

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