Text.BP190.G1r/Translation

To the noble man and supreme philosopher, Johann Baron von Kittlitz.

As I contemplated publishing this writing to the public, I long and greatly doubted under whose patronage I should place it, so as to win some favor and authority for it. For many consider all writings in this genre to be trifles and chimeras unless they are fortified by the testimony of some good and serious man. But you alone came to mind as one who embodies all these qualities, whose gravity, learning, piety, and that experience (in which you excel all others I know who are practiced in this part of philosophy) are well known. Therefore, I dedicate this small gift to you, seasoned with its own salt, so that you may have some token of my gratitude towards you: I only fear that you might be angry with me for seeming to reveal the sacred mysteries of our art to the public indiscriminately. But when you consider that everything is written by the author in such a way that it can remain hidden from the profane and be open only to you or others who have reached the summit of Parnassus, you will take kindly whatever is done here by me: if I come across anything worthy of you hereafter, I will gladly share it with you and all others like you who are learned and fair-minded. Farewell from Thonon near Lake Geneva on the first of February in the year of our Lord 1582.

Most devoted to you,

Bernard from the Port of Aquitaine.