Poem, no date (1583), Michael Eber to the Reader (BP.Kitzkatz.1583-01)
| Author: | Michael Eber |
| Recipient: | Reader |
| Type: | Poem |
| Date: | no date [1583] |
| Pages: | 1 |
| Language: | Latin |
| Quote as: | https://www.theatrum-paracelsicum.com/index.php?curid=2961 |
| Editor: | Edited by Julian Paulus |
| Source: | Jonas Kitzkatz, Speculum alchimistarum, Hof: Matthäus Pfeilschmidt 1583, sig. A1v [BP.Kitzkatz.1583-01]
|
| CP: | Not in Kühlmann/Telle, Corpus Paracelsisticum |
| Translation: | Raw translation see below |
| Abstract: | Eber's epigram addresses those interested in alchemy, providing guidance on understanding its secrets. The text, meant for careful and discerning readers, explains nature's principles and the transformation of elements. It speaks of turning the imperfect into perfect and boasts a richness of content that would even astonish Theophrastus. The reader is encouraged to rejoice in receiving these secrets and the clear path of virtue, while also being warned to approach the craft with caution. The epigram suggests a harmonious pursuit of alchemy under the guidance of both art and Christ. (generated by Chat-GPT) |
| Back to Paratexts Back to Texts by Michael Eber |
[sig. A1v] Michaeli Eberi a` Bretta epigramma ad Lectorem.
Qvem iuuat alchimiæ[c1] secreta tenere probata,
Hæc legat auspicijs enucleata bonis.
Quisq́ue legat caute, naturæ ignarus abesto,
Non quæuis mens, hoc nobile captat opus.
Quid natura queat, quæ sint elementa uicißim
Quo soluenda modo, quo separanda docet.
Hæc imperfectum, perfectum reddit & inde
Augmentat, ponit, porijcit artis ope.
Tantum opus hoc paruo quis certet inesse libello
Quo uiso ad manes, uel Theophraste stupet.
Gaude igitur lector, Ionam tibi tanta dedisse,
Vt tandem hac rara certior arte fores.
Gaude, tum secreta patris tibi promit ad usum,
Planam uirtutis te quoque nosse uiam.
Queq́ue cauenda monet, caueas, facienda probato,
Christo proficies, sic simul arte, dvce.
English Raw Translation
Generated by ChatGPT-4 on 13 August 2023. 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.
Epigram to the Reader by Michael Eber from Bretten:
Whoever is pleased to hold the proven secrets of alchemy,
Let them read this, elucidated under good guidance.
Everyone should read carefully; let those who are ignorant of nature stay away,
Not just any mind is seeking to grasp this noble work.
It teaches what nature can do, what the elements are respectively,
How they are to be dissolved, how they are to be separated.
This turns the imperfect into perfect and then,
Increases, places, and throws down with the help of art.
Who would assert that so much work is contained in this small book,
Upon seeing which, even Theophrastus is astonished?
Therefore, reader, rejoice that Jonah has given you so much,
So that at last, you would be more certain with this rare art.
Rejoice, then, as he promises you the secret of the father for your use,
So that you also know the plain path of virtue.
He warns you of what must be avoided; be careful, approve what must be done,
You will advance with Christ, thus with both art and leader guiding you.
