Page 41 - Charnock alchemical letter

how that after time, that he were dead
that light to find, men would refuse
and change the rent, to some other use
then thought he, well is him that knew
in whom he might set all is trust
at the last he thought, to make that light
for that bridge, to shine by night
with carbuncle stones, to make men wonder
with double reflection, above and under
then new thoughts troubled his mind
carbuncle stones, how he might find
and where to find wise men and true
who would for his intent pursue
in searching all the world about
plenty of carbuncles to find out
for this he took so much thought
that his fat flesh, fell to nought
and where he trusted without despair
of this science to have be here
when the year was fully come and go
his craft was lost, and thrift also
for when that he took up his glass
there was not matter for gold nor brass
then he was angry, and well near mad
for he had wasted away his good
In this way endeth all his disport
what should I more of him report?

The Oxford Man

I think now whether Sir George Ripley did ever meet with any of these
kind of philosophers or no, in his time.

Master Charnock

Yes truly, Sir George Ripley canon of Bridlington who was in Henry the
V day met with many, as when he came up to London he would for his
recreation walk much in Westminster Church unto the which place these
kind of philosophers in those days did haunt and Ripley would associate
himself with them, and follow them unto the tavern and keep their
company, feigning himself somewhat skillful in their science whereby he

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