Yes, Matter Doctor, You now have within your hand, the most pretious Treasure in the World. For this is the true Stone of Philosophers, than which, no Man ever had a better, nor shall have any other. And I my self did elaborate the Composition, from beginning to end. If you have another convenient Chamber, I will Shew you Metal transmuted into Gold, by such a Stone as this (When I had brought him into another Chamber.) Behold (said he) these five Pendants, were, by the benefit of this Philosophick Tincture, prepared of Saturn, or Lead; which I wear for a perpetual Remembrance of my Master. But I suppose, you, having perused many Writings of the Adept, seeing the Substance, and Nature of this Stone, will very sufficiently know the true Matter, or rightly understand the same.
Physician.
I understand by your self, that you had a Master, from whom you rather learned your Art, than acquired the same, by your proper Labour and Invention. And although I now have seen that Substance, which you affirm to be the true Tincture of Philosophers, as also those five Pendants, nevertheless I am still left ignorant, and in doubt, whether it be true or no. Therefore, I earnestly again and again request of you, to confer on me only so small a part of that matter, as will suffice to transmute only four grains of Lead into Gold, that you may this way remove from me all Scruple or Doubt, and render me so much the more certain of the verity of the Matter. Give me but the magnitude of one grain only, or of a Coriander-seed, that thence a Specimen, or Probation, may be exhibited, either in some desperate Disease, or in a Metallick Transmutation.
Artist.
I do confess, that a certain Man of good Condition, to me wholly unknown, by demonstrating taught me; First, the possibility of transmutation; secondly the way of preparing also. And this is that Infallible Art, touching which you have no reason to doubt. But whereas, you request that I should give you one small part of my Treasure; that is no wise lawful for me to do, although, you would give as a Recompense, so many Ducats, as this whole Room, from the bottom to the top, would contein; and that not by reason of the estimation of the Matter, because it is of small Price, but for another weighty Reason, in respect of which, if it were possible, that Fire could be consumed by Fire, I would at this time, rather cast this whole Mass into the devouring Flames, before your Eyes. Wherefore, in the meanwhile, I admonish you, not to be so eager in coveting this so great Science. For you have this day seen more in my possession, than many Kings, and Princes could ever behold, although they eagerly desired to see the same. Besides, I think of comming to you again, after 3 Weeks, then I will shew to you certain excellent Arts, and Manuductions in the Chymical Science. Also, if it shall then be lawful for me, to shew you the way of Transmutation, I will truely satisfie your Curiosity therein. In the mean while, I bid you farewel, withal, admonishing, that you take heed to your self, and meddle not with such a great, and profound Labour, least: you miserably loose both your Fame, and substance in the Ashes like some other covetous inquisitors, of the same most noble Art.
Physician.
Now, what shall I do, my Master? If it happen, that, by reason of your Philosophick Oath, confirmed by that small draught of Silver, dissolved in Rain-water, it shall not be lawful for you to give me that requested exceeding small part of the Tincture so wonderful. You cannot be ignorant, that I (according to your suspicion) am in mind anxious, and earnestlie desirous of tasting of this so noble Science. Yea, I do verilie think, if Adam himself, the first Patriark of the World (who was once driven out of Paradice, for eating the Apple of either Wisedom) were yet living in this our Age, he would not forbear again the Taste of this Golden Apple, from the Garden of Atlantis.
Your Mastership said: Manie Princes could not see this which I have seen. I, indeed have seen the Matter, of which you give so rare a Testimony; but in the mean while I have not beheld the transmutative Effect; only I give credit to your Words. And, since you have told me, that you will go hence, and after three Weeks return to me again, to teach me some excellent Chymical Arts, as also the way of projection, if it shall then be lawful for you. In the fruition of this good hope, I at this time rest satisfied; in the mean time, giving you hearty thanks, for your exceeding great Friendship shewed to me alreadie, and, for your singular Care, and faithful admonition, that I should not in Chymical Labours, consume both my Goods and Reputation. I assuredly have never yet made tryal of so great, and high things, nor ever will I attempt the me, unless your self will first gratis, and from the pure benevolence of Friendship, demonstrate to me, the way and manner of preparing. Yet I shall admire the Verity of Art, and please my self with the Remembrance of the Friendship you have shewed me; because you, who have revealed this to me, are an Adept Philosopher.
But if any King, or Prince, or any Great Man, or Men, should know, that you are the Possessor of this Art, and therefore (which God forbid) should lay hold of you, and attempt by Tortures to bring you to a discovery, would you reveal this Art to them?
Artist.