Text.Figulus.1608-01.A2r/Translation

To the most illustrious, learned, and experienced man, Joachim Tancke, doctor of both medicines and Professor at the renowned University of Leipzig, &c., a greatly revered Lord and Patron,

Oh, most learned Tanck, ornament of Apollo's art, does not an unknown person greet you with health? Might he now acquire for himself some use of acquaintance by permitted means? A pact of friendship and enter into new writings? And do not, I pray, reject the signs of my sincere mind. While your desire has kindled to know the hidden springs and mountains in the Hesperian lands, and with eager longing, seeks the great mysteries of the Stone, the Divine gifts of the Sages. I shall speak a few words; not irrelevant, I hope, nor far removed from the path of Truth. Many now seek the heavenly secrets of the Stone of the Sages, inquiring at their own expense. Our wisdom can never achieve this, though it be ingeniously devised in wondrous ways. This Gift is the province of the Father who sits above the stars, transcendent: given to those whom gentle God loves: who with sincere heart and faithful love worship Christ, seeking this Good from Heaven. Those who with persistent prayers strike the heights of Olympus, and knock on the highest gates with a simple heart. This Grace flows down from the heavenly mountains to the worthy, whom just God loves. Not everyone is granted to reach Corinth: often, God gives such things to the poor. This Hermetic garden is closed to all, where a vigilant Dragon watches over the golden apples. If the Keeper lets you into this garden, by God's grace and celestial guidance: you cannot lull the watchful Dragon's eyes to sleep: all hope and effort will be in vain. Thus, let us not worship Christ with feigned love, let us knock on the holy theaters with pious prayers. Of the Almighty Lord, who grants such gifts: This Gift comes from Heaven, not elsewhere. At last, a gentler breeze of the supreme Deity will blow upon us, and will give worthy rewards to the worthy. It shames me to admonish, oh most learned Tanck, forgive the poet. Perhaps this is permissible. You will forgive. Poets not only delight but also often advise appropriately. Yet perhaps our Muse annoys you; you yourself know best what needs to be done. I now offer this booklet to Tanck with a sincere heart, accept these small gifts with a gracious hand. What the poet does, in public, in need, are writings under your patronage and protection. Which contain the magnificent and greatest wonders of the Great Stone, the lively writings of the Great Sages. Accept such small gifts with a cheerful face: let them be as signs of my spirit towards you, from the very depths of a favoring heart, seeking the bonds of your friendship. Oh, if only someone could always support our endeavors with a generous and easy hand. The poor lie everywhere; and no one to lift them up: great talents often lie hidden in a poor house. The time is now for the poor to rise from the mire with the comforting hand of the Almighty Lord. And He will fill the needy with goods, satisfy the poor, whom deep hunger for divine Ambrosia holds. And He will offer the fiery cups of the Divine Poet Ezra, to those who thirst, believe me. Conversely, a cup full of the raging river of divine wrath, believe, by a punishing hand, will be emptied on all the furious enemies of the Almighty Jehovah of the Cross, not without dark dregs. Beware, impious crowd, Repent, embrace Christ's Almighty Word and heavenly sound. Submit kisses to the Heavenly Father, with submission, and pour out prayers with a humble voice. As the Psalmist in the second Psalm urges you, kiss the Son, lest you perish. Unhappy times are already at hand, to punish the world with avenging sword, plague, famine, as He is inflamed with wrath. He has risen from His high throne, so that God may trample enemies throughout the earth. Before our eyes, indeed, we see manifest spectacles, yet no lover of honesty appears. Does the whole world now only yearn for fleeting riches? Neglecting the heavenly treasures of the Almighty; You see with me, most select Tanck, abundantly. The world loves frivolities and worships wealth. It seeks treasures: rejects the Heavenly Treasure, Jesus: Behold, the human voice is more to the heart than the Voice of God, who lovingly invites us to Himself, and commands us to learn from Him alone. Your Voice, Divine, Your Venerable Word, Jesus, be fixed and remain in my heart. Though I am an unworthy sinner, and needy: You will bless me and mine in heaven: let me be Your servant. Best Tanck, forgive the deepest feelings of my heart expressed, without doubting faith: with God moving within, with our Teacher dictating by the sacred Spirit. Consider this work of our simplicity. I pray, consider these flowing verses of our poor poet kindly. Meanwhile, live safely, may we see each other from both sides perhaps soon at convenience. And may it be granted to enjoy conversation, and to join desired right hands with right hands. Live long and farewell.

Your Humanity and Excellence's Most Devoted, Benedictus Figulus, Utenhovius the Frank, Crowned Laureate Poet, Theologian, Theosophist, Philosopher, Physician, Hermit, etc.