The ARGUMENT.
This Colloquy shews the Dotage of an old Man, otherwise a very prudent Person, upon this Art; being trick'd by a Priest, under Pretence of a two-Fold Method in this Art, the long Way and the short Way. By the long Way he puts an egregious Cheat upon old Balbinus: The Alchymist lays the Fault upon his Coals and Glasses. Presents of Gold are sent to the Virgin Mary, that she would assist them in their Undertakings. Some Courtiers having come to the Knowledge that Balbinus practis'd this unlawful Art, are brib'd. At last the Alchymist is discharg'd, having Money given him to bear his Charges.
PHILECOUS, LALUS.
Phi. What News is here, that Lalus laughs to himself so that he e'en giggles again, every now and then signing himself with the Sign of the Cross? I'll interrupt his Felicity. God bless you heartily, my very good Friend Lalus; you seem to me to be very happy.
La. But I shall be much happier, if I make you a Partaker of my merry Conceitedness.
Phi. Prithee, then, make me happy as soon as you can.
La. Do you know Balbinus?
Phi. What, that learned old Gentleman that has such a very good Character in the World?
La. It is as you say; but no Man is wise at all Times, or is without his blind Side. This Man, among his many good Qualifications, has some Foibles: He has been a long Time bewitch'd with the Art call'd Alchymy.
Phi. Believe me, that you call only Foible, is a dangerous Disease.