The true prophecies or prognostications of Michael Nostradamus, physician to Henry II. Francis II. and Charles IX. Kings of France, and one of the best astronomers that ever were. / A work full of curiosity and learning. Translated and commented by Theophilus de Garencieres, Doctor in Physick Colleg. Lond.

by Nostradamus

Mercury in the fire shall discover them,

And by a Warlike rumor shall be provoked.

ANNOT.

If this Book cometh ever into the hands of Hermes’s Disciples, I shall desire they would consider diligently this Stanza, and the three following; for they are all concerning the Elixir of the Philosophers, or the making of the Philosophers stone. To begin with this:

When Venus shall be covered by the Sun.

This is the Astral point, so much sought after by the Philosophers, for the beginning of their work, without the knowledge of which they cannot begin their work, or come to any good.

Under the splendor of it shall be an occult form, that is, under that conjunction lyeth a great mystery.

Mercury in the fire shall discover them, viz. Mercury of the Philosophers, made by Cœlestial fire.

And by a Warlike rumor shall be provoked; that is, the Planet of Mercury shall be provoked to mix his variable and changable disposition with theirs, by his Aspects, Oppositions, Conjunctions, &c. It is not possible to speak more plainly.