Poem, (1602), Anton Waldenberger to Johann Thölde

Author:	Anton Waldenberger
Recipient:	Johann Thölde
Type:	Poem
Date:	[1602]
Language:	Latin

Quote as:

https://www.theatrum-paracelsicum.com/index.php?curid=5747

Editor:	Edited by Julian Paulus
Source:	Basilius Valentinus, Ein kurtzer summarischer Tractat. Von dem grossen Stein der vhralten, ed. Johann Thölde, Johann Schleer (Zerbst) for Jacob Apel (Leipzig) 1602, sig. A2v-A3v [BP.BasVal.1602-01]

Translation:

Raw translation see below

Abstract:

The elegy praises both Basil Valentine and Thölde for their significant contributions to alchemy and philosophy. Basil Valentine is celebrated for his wisdom and artistry during a golden era of ancient knowledge. He is depicted as a figure of strength and dedication, pursuing a sacred path distinct from the idle crowds of the time. His work in alchemy, particularly with metals and natural elements, is highlighted as groundbreaking and deeply insightful. Waldenberger compares Valentine to historical figures like Zoroaster and Paracelsus, emphasizing his role as a healer of both body and soul. The text also touches upon Basil Valentine's lineage, tracing back to a noble family in Hesse, and his ancestors' service to the Landgraves. Thölde, on the other hand, is commended for his role in bringing Basil Valentine's work to light. He is portrayed as a learned and influential figure, actively engaged in the study of philosophy and nature. Waldenberger expresses gratitude to Thölde for not suppressing Valentine's work, allowing it to quench the intellectual thirst of readers. (generated by Chat-GPT)

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[sig. A2v] Elegia in libellvm Basilii Valentini editi in lucem opera & studio amplissimi viri D[omini] Ioannis Thöldi Francohusanæ civitatis Camerarij Domini ac amici plirumum colendi.

Sedulus hunc libri quisquis percurris agellum
Lecotr, & auctoris nomina scire cupis.
Percipe quæ verax non falso carmine Musa
Exhibet alternis conspicienda metris.
Basilius priscis fluerent cum tempora sedis
Aurea, miranda præditus arte fuit.
Et (ne quid cœcæ tibi subdola nomina noctis
Obijciant) illi roboris omen erat.
Quæris quod studium? quæ sit vestigia vitæ
Sectatus? sacrum ritè premebat iter.
Non quales rasæ nostro nunc tempore turbæ
Ocia sectando desidiæq́ue nefas.
Sed sacra sed tacitis volvens oracula libris,
Ingenij latas amplificabat opes.
[sig. A3r] Qualis qui risu primus Zoroaster in auras,
Venit, & abstrusum calluit artis opus.
Qualis & ægrotis Validum Paracelsus asylum,
Miraclum mundi quem meritò esse puto.
Enthea nectebat Physicis medicamina curis
Vtq́ue animæ medicus corporis utq́ue foret.
Ille metallorum studiis mysteria fessis
Eruit, & florum semina quicquid habent.
Quicqud & occultis animalia cætera fibris
Proniunt, quod læsis artubus addat opem.
Spiritus ut Moli atque Animæ compagine junctus
Instruat omnigenas ense potente physes.
Vt nihil hîc desit, modò mentis acumine præstes,
Et quæ commonstrat pagina lecta bibas.
Pagina Ioannis quam Thôldi industria fecit
Perspicuis legier nunc tibi posse notis.
Vnde genus ducat satagis? clarissima vidit
Hassia patricia carpere matre cibum.
Multaq́ue si retrò numeres per lustra, fidelem
Landgravijs operam turba locavit avûm.
Candida concordis starent seu lilia pacis,
Redderet infestos seu ferus ensis agros.
Nunc colit antiquis mecum loca fæta salinis,
In quibus informem formo reformo gregem
Dignus fortassis Sparta meliore, scelesto
Nî fortuna mihi Marte inimica foret.
Ille regit frenis plebem pars una senatus,
Ac salsi piperis gaudia multa capit.
Versat & attentis secreta volumina palmis,
Quæ de natura Philosophia tenet.
[sig. A3v] Huic nunc unanimes communi nomine grates
Offero, quod minimè presserit illud opus.
Qualis magnanimam quid vi te continet offam.
Gutture, quæ multis sat queat esse, canis:
Invidus insanos rabido ciet ore tumultus,
Ne socium præda cernat atroce frui.
Sed facilis largos fontem donarit in usus
Vnde queat lector stinguere damna sitis.
Sicut apes sicutq́ue boves, quæ mellea fingunt
Munera, qui dorso sortia aratra trahunt.
Non sibi sed nobis lassæ quò mollia vitæ
Tædia: quo multi sint bona multa malis.
Tu tamen hæc juvenis non vana edicta poetæ
Censuram quàm des utere nare prius.
Et prius eversum totus rimare libellum
(Iudicium lecta re bene flare solet;)
Nec dubito quin sis hæc optima verba daturus
Sit benè sit Thôldo in secula mille benè.

Ab Antonio Vvaldenbergero. Hersfeldensi Hasso.

English Raw Translation

Generated by ChatGPT-4 on 4 January 2024. Attention: This translation is a machine translation by artificial intelligence. The translation has not been checked and should not be cited without additional human verification.

Elegy on the booklet of Basil Valentine, published with the work and study of the most distinguished man, Lord Johann Thölde, treasurer of the city of Frankenhuisen, a lord and friend most worthy of respect.

Whoever you are, diligent reader, who runs through this little field of a book and wishes to know the names of the author, perceive what the truthful Muse, not with false verse, presents for you to see in alternating meters. Basil, when the times of the ancient seat flowed golden, was endowed with wondrous art. And (lest the deceitful names of blind night oppose you) strength was a sign for him. You ask what his study was? What paths of life did he follow? He rightly pursued a sacred path. Not like the shaven crowds of our time, following idleness and the sin of sloth. But sacred and turning over oracles in silent books, he expanded the broad riches of his talent.

Like Zoroaster, who first came into the air with laughter, and knew the hidden work of art. Like Paracelsus, a strong refuge for the sick, whom I rightly think a miracle of the world. He wove divine remedies with physical cares, so that he might be a physician of both body and soul. He extracted the mysteries of tired metals in his studies, and whatever seeds flowers have. Whatever else animals declare with their hidden fibers, which adds help to injured limbs. So that the Spirit and Soul, joined in a compound, might instruct all kinds of nature with a powerful sword. So that nothing here is lacking, provided you excel in sharpness of mind, and drink what the read page shows. The page which the industry of Johann Thölde has made to be read by you now with clear notes.

Do you strive to know his lineage? Bright Hesse saw him take food from a patrician mother. And if you count back many years, his ancestors placed faithful service with the Landgraves. Whether the white lilies of peaceful concord stood, or whether the fierce sword rendered the fields hostile. Now he cultivates with me places rich in ancient salts, in which I shape and reshape an unformed flock. Worthy perhaps of a better Sparta, if only fortune had not been hostile to me in wicked war. He, as one part of the senate, governs the people with reins, and takes much joy in salty pepper. He also turns secret volumes with attentive palms, which Philosophy holds about nature.

To him now, unanimously, in a common name, I offer thanks, because he did not suppress that work. Like a generous dog, what force contains you from the great morsel in your throat, which could be enough for many: The envious one incites insane tumults with a rabid mouth, lest he sees a companion enjoy the dreadful prey. But he easily granted a large fountain for use, from which the reader can quench the damage of thirst. Just as bees and oxen, which form honeyed gifts, who pull the allotted plows on their back. Not for themselves but for us they tire, so that the soft weariness of life: so that many goods may be among many evils. But you, young man, do not consider these words of the poet vain. Before you give judgment, use your nose first. And first search through the entire overturned booklet (judgment usually blows well from a read thing); And I do not doubt that you will give these words as the best, may it be well, may it be well for Thölde for a thousand years.

By Antonius Waldenberger, from Hersfeld in Hesse.