Question 9.
If the case stands thus with these labours, as that those things which are sown, are again reaped in a multiplied encrease, why is not the most noble Seed of Gold onely sown? What need is there of adding Silver thereunto which there’s no appearance (as to the outside view) of any colour.
Answer.
Although there be not any apparent colour in the Silver, yet is it certain that there lies abundance of colour therein hidden, which notwithstanding does not dissolve it self before it is unlockt and inverted by the labour and help of the true Chymick Art, and that its external whiteness be hidden, and its internal redness be brought forth to light. For verily a true Tincture necessary for the transmutation of the Metals can never be prepared out of bare simple Gold, without an addition of Silver thereunto: For Silver is the Matrix of Gold, in which, this (as being the masculine Seed) germinates, grows and multiplies its colour.
Question 10.
This seems to every body a wonder that a red colour should also lie hidden in white Silver, seeing that there are not a few who think that even Gold it self does not contain more of colour than it needs for its own self. How therefore must this be understood?
Answer.
As to this, you must not at all mind the external shape, but that which lies occultly hidden. The internal parts of any Seed are not visible to the sight, as for example. A Vegetable Seed presents you not with the sight of any various colours, but when it is committed to the Earth as to its Matrix, it then sends forth first green Sprouts, then Stalks, then Leaves, after which succeed most curiously painted colours, that at last the Seed comes forth with an incredible augmentation, all which were not visible in the bare Seed.
Consider also the Egg of any Bird, in which no body can discern any Bird, consisting of such divers and various Members, and adorned with such delicate Feathers afore the said Bird is hatcht, the Egg being ripened by an external cherishing heat.
Question 11.