Scot's Discovery of vvitchcraft proving the common opinions of witches contracting with divels, spirits, or familiars ... to be but imaginary, erronious conceptions and novelties : wherein also, the lewde unchristian all written and published in anno 1584, by Reginald Scot, Esquire.

The xiiii. Book.

Of the Art of Alchimistry, of their words of Art and devices to blear mens eyes, and to procure credit to their profession.

CHAP. I.

HEre I thought it not impertinent to say somewhat of the Art or rather the craft of Alchimistry, otherwise called Multiplication; which Chaucer, of all other men, most lively deciphereth. In the bowels here∣of doth both witchcraft and conjuration lie hidden, as whereby some cousen others, and some are cousened themselves. For by this mystery (as it is said in the Chanons mans prologue)

They take upon them to turn upside downe, All the earth between Southwark and Canterburie towne, And to pav̄e it all of silver and gold, &c. But ever they lack of their conclusion, And to much folk they doe illusion. For their stuffe slides away so fast, That it makes them beggers at the last, And by this craft they doe never win, But make their purse empty, and their wits thin.

And because the practisers hereof would be thought wise, learned, ••••ing, and their crafts masters, they have devised words of art, sen∣••ces and epithers obscure, and confections so innumerable (which are 〈◊〉〈◊〉 compounded of strange and rare simples) as confound the capaci∣ty of them that are either set on work herein, or be brought to behold 〈◊〉〈◊〉 expect their conclusions. For what plain man would not beleeve, that they are learned and jolly fellowes, that have in such readinesse 〈◊〉〈◊〉 many mysticall termes of art: as (for a taste) their subliming, amal∣••••ming, englutting, imbibing, incorporating, cementing, retrination, terminations, mollifications, and indurations of bodies, matters 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and coagulat, ingots, tests, &c. Or who is able to conceive (by ••eason of the abrupt confusion, contrariety, and multitudes of drugs, ••••mples, and confections) the operation and mystery of their stuffe and ••orkmanship. For these things and many more, are of necessity to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 prepared and used in the execution of this indeavour; namely orpi∣••ent, sublimed Mercury, iron squames, Mercury crude, groundly large, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 armoniack, verdegrece, borace, holes, gall, arsenick, sal armoniack,

brimstone, salt, paper, burnt bones, un••••aked lime, clay, saltpeter, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 triall, saltartre, alcalie, sal preparat, clay made with horse dung 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hair, oile of tartre, allum; glasse, woort, yest, argoll, resagor, gleir o•• an eye, powders, ashes, dung, pisse, &c. Then have they waters con∣sive and lincall, waters of albification, and water, rubifying, &c. Also oiles, ablusion, and metals fusible. Also their lamps, their urinals 〈◊〉〈◊〉 censories, sublimatories, alembecks, viols, croslets, cucurbin, still••••∣tories, and their furnace of calcination: also their soft and subtle 〈◊〉〈◊〉 some of wood, some of coale, composed specially of beech, &c. And because they will not seem to want any point of cousenage to astonish the simple, or to move admiration to their enterprises, they have (•• they affirme) four spirits to work withall, whereof the first is orpimen; the second, quicksilver; the third, sal armoniack; the fourth, brimstone. Then have they seven celestiall bodies; namely, Sol, Luna, Mars, Mer∣curie, Saturne, Iupiter, and Venus; to whom they apply seven terrestrial bodies; to wit, gold, silver, iron, quicksilver, lead, tinno, and copper attributing unto these the operation of the other; specially if the ter∣restriall bodies be qualified, tempered, and wrought in the house 〈◊〉〈◊〉 day according to the feats of the celestiall bodies: with more life u∣nity.

CHAP. II.

The Alchymisters drift, the Chanons yeomans tale, of Alchymi∣call stones and waters.

NOw you must understand that the end and drift of all their work, to attain unto the composition of the philosophers stone, called 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and to the stone called Titanus; and to Magnatia, which is a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 made of the four elements, which (they say) the philosophers 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sworne neither to discover, nor to write of. And by these they m•••• quicksilver, and make it malleable, and to hold touch: hereby also to convert any other, metall (but specially copper) into gold. This •• ence (forsooth) is the secret of secrets; even as Solomons conjure is said among the conjurors to be so likewise, And thus, when the chance to meet with young men, or simple people, they boast 〈◊〉〈◊〉 brag, and say with Simon Magus, that they can work miracles, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 bring mighty things to passe. In which respect Chaucer truly hereof 〈◊〉〈◊〉

Each man is as wise as Solomon, When they are together everichone: But he that seemes wisest, is most fool in preef, And he that is truest, is a very cheef. They seem friendly to them that know nought, But they are fiendly both in word and thought, Yet many men ride and seek their acquaintance, Not knowing of their false governance.

He also saith, and experience verifieth his assertion, that they look ill favoaredly, and are alwayes beggerly attired: his words are these:

These fellowes look ill favouredly, And are alwaies tired beggerly, So as by smelling and thred bare aray. These folk are known and discerned alway. But so long as they have a street to wrap them in by night, Or a rag to hang about them in the day light, They will it spend in this craft, They cannot stint till nothing be laft. Here one may learn if he have ought, To multiply and bring his good to nought. But if a man ask them privily, Why they are clothed so unthriftily, They will round him in the eare and say. If they espied were, men would them slay, And all because of this noble science: Loe thus these folk betraien innocence.

The tale of the chanons yeoman published by Chaucer, doth make (by way of example) a perfect demonstration of the art of Alchymistry or multiplication the effect whereof is this. A chanon being an Alchy∣mister or cousener, espied a covetous priest, whose purse he knew to be well lined, whom he assaulted with flattery and subtill speech, two prin∣cipall points belonging to this art. At the length he borrowed money of the priest, which is the third part of the Art, without which the pro∣fessors can doe no good, nor indure in good estate. Then he at his day repayed the money, which is the most difficult point in this art, and a rare experiment. Finally, to requite the priests courtesie, he promised into him such instructions, as whereby with expedition he should be∣come infinitely rich, and all through this art of multiplication. And this is the most common point in this science; for herein they must be skil∣full before they can be famous, or attain to any credit. The priest dis∣liked not his proffer; specially because it tended to his profit, and em∣braced his courtesie. Then the chanon willed him forthwith to send for three ounces of quicksilver, which he said he would transubstantiate (by his art) into perfect silver. The priest thought that a man of his pro∣fession could not dissemble, and therefore with great joy and hope accom∣plished his request.

And now (forsoeth) goeth this jolly Alchymist about his businesse and work of multiplication, and causeth the priest to make a fire of coales, in the bottome whereof he placeth a croslet; and pretending only to help the priest to lay the coals handsomely, he foisteth into the middle ward of lane of coals, a beechen coal, within the which was conveyed an ingot of perfect silver; which (when the coal was consumed) slipt down into the croslet, that was (I say) directly under it. The priest perceived not the fraud, but received the ingot of silver, and was not a little joy∣full

to see such certain successe proceed from his owne handy 〈◊〉〈◊〉 wherein could be no fraud (as he surely conceived) and therefore ••oy willingly gave the chanon forty pounds for the receipt of this experiment, who for that sum of money taught him a lesson in Alchymistry, but he ne∣ver returned to hear repetitions, or to see how he profited.

CHAP. III.

Of a yeoman of the countrey cousened by an Alchymist.

I Could cite many Alchymisticall cousenages wrought by Doctor ••••••∣cot, Feates, and such other; but I will passe them over, and only re∣peat three experiments of that art; the one practiced upon an honest yeoman in the country of Kent, the other upon a mighty prince, the child upon a covetous priest. And first touching the yeoman, he was o••••••a∣ken and used in manner and forme following, by a notable cousening varlet, who professed Alchymistry, juggling, witchcraft, and conjura∣tion: and by means of his companions and confederates discussed the sim∣plicity and ability of the said yeoman, and found out his estate and hu∣mour to be convenient in this purpose; and finally came a wooing (as they say) to his daughter, to whom he made love cunningly in words, though his purpose tended to another matter. And among other illusi∣ons and tales concerning his owne commendation, for wealth, parents inheritance, alliance, activity, learning, pregnancy, and cunning, he boasted of his knowledge and experience in Alchymistry, making the sim∣ple man beleeve that he could multiply, and of one angell make two or three. Which seemed strange to the poor man, insomuch as he because willing enough to see that conclusion: whereby the Alchymister had more hope and comfort to attain his desire, than if his daughter had yeelded to have married him. To be short, he in the presence of the said yeoman, did include within a little ball of virgine wax, a couple of angels; and after certain ceremonies and conjuring words he seemed to deliver the same unto him: but in truth (through legierdemain) he con∣veyed into the yeomans hand another ball of the same scantling, wherein were inclosed many more angels than were in the ball which he thought he had received. Now (forsooth) the Alchymister ••ad him lay up the same ball of wax, and also use certain ceremonies (which I thought good here to omit.) And after certain dayes, hours, and minutes, they re∣turned together, according to the appointment, and found great gaines by the multiplication of the angels. Insomuch as he, being a plain man, was hereby perswaded, that he should not only have a rare and notable good sonne in law; but a companion that might help to adde unto his wealth much treasure, and to his estate great fortune and felicity. And to increase this opinion in him, as also to win his further favour; but especially to bring his cunnnig Alchymistry, or rather his lewd purpose to passe; he told him that it were folly to multiply a pound of gold, when as easily they might multiply a million: and therefore counselled him

to produce all the money he had, or could borrow of his neighbours and friends; and did put him out of doubt, that he would multiply the same, and redouble it exceedingly, even as he saw by experience how he dealt with the small summe before his face. This yeoman in hope, of gains and preferment, &c. consented to this sweet motion; and brought out and laid before his feet, not the one halfe of his goods, but all that he had, or could make or borrow any manner of way. Then this juggling Alchy∣mister, having obtained his purpose, folded the same in a ball, in quanti∣ty farre bigger then the other, and conveying the same into his bosome or pocket, delivered another ball (as before) of the like quantity unto the yeoman, to be reserved and safely kept in his chest; whereof (be∣cause the matter was of importance) either of them must have a key, and a severall lock, that no interruption might be made to the ceremony, nor abuse by either of them; in defranding each other. Now (forsooth) these circumstances and ceremonies being ended, and the Alchymisters purpose thereby performed; he told the yeoman that (untill a certain day and hour limited to returne) either of them might imploy themselves about their businesse and necessary affairs; the yeoman to the plough, and he to the city of London, and in the mean time the gold should mul∣tiply, &c. But the Alchymister (belike) having other matters of more importance came not just at the hour appointed, nor yet at the day, nor within the year: so as, although it were somewhat against the yeomans conscience to violate his promise, or break the league; yet partly by the longing he had to see, and partly the desire he had to enjoy the fruit of that excellent experiment, having (for his owne security) and the others satisfaction, some testimony at the opening thereof, to witnesse his sin∣cere dealing, he brake up the coffer, and loe he soon espied the ball of waxe, which he himselfe had laid up there with his owne hand. So as he thought (if the hardest should fall) he should find his principall: and why not as good increase hereof now, as of the other before? But alas! when the waxe was broken, and the metall discovered, the gold was much based, and became perfect lead.

Now who so list to utter his folly, Let him come forth and learn to multiply; And every man that hath ought in his cofer, Let him appear, and waxe a Philosopher, In learning of his elvish nice lore, All is in vain, and pardee much more Is to learn a lewd man (his sutreltee,) Fie, speak not thereof it woll not bee: For he that hath learning, and he that hath none, Conclude alike in multiplicatione,

CHAP. IV.

A certain King abused by an Alchymist, and of the Kings souls a pretty jest.

THe second example is of another Alchymist that came to a certain King, promising to work by his art many great things, as well in compounding and transubstantiating of metals, as in executing of other exploites of no lesse admiration. But before he began, he found the means to receive by vertue of the kings warrant, a great sum of money in prest, assuring the King and his councell, that he would shortly returne, and accomplish his promise, &c. Soone after, the Kings foole among other jests, fell into a discourse and discovery of fooles, and handled that common place so pleasantly, that the King began to take delight therein, and to like his merry vein. Whereupon he would needs have the foole deliver unto him a schedull or scroll, containing the names of all the most excellent fools in the land.

So he caused the Kings name to be first set downe, and next him all the names of his privy councell. The King seeing him so sawcy and malepert, meant to have had him punished: but some of his councell, knowing him to be a fellow pleasantly conceipted, besought his Majesty rather to demand of him a reason of his libell, &c. than to proceed in extremity against him. Then the foole being asked why he so sawcily ac∣cused the King and his councell of principall folly, answered; Because he saw one foolish knave beguile them all, and to cousen them of so great a masse of money, and finally to be gone out of their reach. Why (saith one of the councell) he may returne and performe his promise, &c. Then (quoth the foole) I can help all the matter easily. How (said the King) canst thou doe that? Marry sir (said he) then I will blot out your name and put in his, as the most foole in the world. Many other practices of the like nature might be hereunto annexed, for the detection of the knavery and deceipts whereupon this art dependeth, whereby the reader may be more delighted in reading, than the practisers benefited in sim∣ply using the same. For it is an art consisting wholly of subtlety and deceipt, whereby the ignorant and plain minded man through this too much credulity is circumvented, and the humour of the other slye cou∣sener satisfied.

CHAP. V.

A notable story written by Erasmus of two Alchymists, also of longation and curtation.

THe third example is reported by Erasmus, whose excellent learning and wit is ••ad to this day in admiration. He in a certain dialogue intituled Alchymistica doth finely bewray the knavery of this crafty art;

wherein he proposeth one Balbine, a very wise, learned, and devout priest, howbeit such a one as was bewitched, and mad upon the art of Alchymi∣stry. Which thing another cousening priest perceived, and dealt with him in manner and forme following.

M. Doctor Balbine (said he) I being a stranger unto you may seem ve∣ry saucy to trouble your worship with my bold suit, who alwayes are bu∣sied in great and divine studies. To whom Balbine, being a man of few words, gave a nodde: which was more then he used to every man. But the priest knowing his humour, said; I am sure sir, if you knew my suit, you would pardon my importunity. I pray thee good sir Iohn (said Balbine) shew my thy minde, and be brief. That shall I doe sir (said he) with a good will, You know M. Doctor, through your skill in Philosophy, that every mans destiny it not alike; and I for my part am at this point, that I cannot tell whether I may be counted happy or infortun∣nate. For when I weigh mine owne case, or rather my state, in part I seem fortunate, and in part miserable. But Balbine being a man of some surlinesse, alwaies willed him to draw his matter to a more compendi∣ous forme: which thing the priest said he would doe, and could the bet∣ter performe, because Balbine himselfe was so learned and expert in the very matter he had to repeat, and thus he began.

I have had, even from my childhood, a great felicity in the art of Al∣chymistry, which is the very marrow of all Philosophy. Balbine at the naming of the word Alchymistry, inclined and yeelded himselfe more attentively to hearken unto him: marry it was only in gesture of body; for he was spare of speech, and yet he bad him proceed with his tale. Then said the priest, wretch that I am, it was not my luck to light on the best way: for you M. Balbine know (being so universally learned) that in this art there are two wayes, the one called Longation, the other Cur∣tation; and it was miue ill hap to fall upon Longation. When Balbine asked him the difference of those two wayes; Oh sir said the Priest, you might coun•• me impudent to take upon me to tell you, that of all other are best learned in this art, to whom I come, most humbly to beseech you to teach me that lucky way of curtation. The cunninger you are, the more easily you may teach it me: and therefore hide not the gift that God hath given you, from your brother, who may perish for want of his desire in this behalf; and doubtlesse Jesus Christ will inrich you with greater blessings and endowments.

Balbine being abashed partly with his importunity, and partly with the strange circumstance, told him that (in truth) he neither knew what Longation or Curtation meant; and therefore required him to expound the nature of these words. Well (quoth the priest) since it is your plea∣sure, I will doe it, though I shall thereby take upon me to teach him that is indeed much cunninger than my selfe. And thus he began: Oh sir, they that have spent all the dayes of their life in this divine faculty, doe turne one nature and form: into another, two wayes, the one is very brief, but somewhat dangerous; the other much longer, marry very safe, sure, and commodious. Howbeit, I think my selfe most unhappy that have spent my time and travel in that way which utterly misliketh me, and

never could get any one to shew me the other that I so earnestly desire. And now I come to your worship, whom I know to be wholly learned and expert herein, hoping that you will (for charities sake) comfort your brother, whose felicity and well doing now resteth only in your hands; and therefore I beseech you relieve me with your counsell.

By these and such other words when this cousening varlot had avoided suspition of guile, and assured Balbine that he was perfect and cunning in the other way: Balbine his fingers itched, and his heart tickled; so as he could hold no longer, but burst out with these words: Let this Curtation goe to the devill, whose name I did never so much as once hear of before, and therefore doe much lesse understand it. But tell me in good faith, doe you exactly understand longation? Yea said the priest, doubt you not hereof: but I have no fansie to that way, it is so tedious. Why (quoth Balbine) what time is required in the accom∣plishment of this work by way of longation? Too too much said the Alchymister, even almost a whole year: but this is the best, the surest and safest way, though it be for so many moneths prolonged, be∣fore it yeeld advantange for cost and charges expended thereabouts. Set your heart at rest (said Balbine) it is no matter, though it were two years, so as you be well assured to bring it then to passe.

Finally, it was there and then concluded, that presently the priest should goe in hand with the work, and the other should bear the charge, the gains to be indifferently divided betwixt them both, and the work to be done privily in Balbine's house. And after the mutuall oath was ta∣ken for silence, which is usuall and requisite alwaies in the beginning of this mysterie; Balbine delivered money to the Alchymister for bellowes glasses, coales, &c. which should serve for the erection and furniture of the forge. Which money the Alchymister had no sooner fingered, but he ran merrily to the dice, to the alebouse, and to the stewes, and who there so lusty as cousening sir Iohn: who indeed this way made a kinde of alchymisticall transformation of money. Now Balbine urged him to go about his businesse, but the other told him, that if the matter were once begun, it were halfe ended: for therein consisted the greatest diffi∣culty.

Well, at length he began to furnish the furnace, but now forsoeth •• new supply of gold must be made, as the seed and spawn of that which must be ingendred and grow out of this work of Alchymistry. For even as a fish is not caught without a bait, no more is gold multiplied with∣out some parcels of gold: and therefore gold must be the founda∣tion and groundwork of that art, or else all the fat is in the fire. But all this while Balbine was occupied in calculating, and musing upon his ac∣compt; casting by arithmetick, how that if one ownce yeelded fifteen, then how much gaines two thousand ownces might yeeld: for so much he determined to employ that way.

When the Alchymist had also consumed this mony, shewing great travell a moneth or twain, in placing the bellowes, the coales, and such other stuffe, and no whit of profit proceeding or comming thereof. Bal∣bine demanded how the world went, our Alchymist was as a man amazed.

Howbeit he said at length; forsooth even as such matters of importance commonly doe goe forward, whereunto there is alwaies very difficult accesse. There was (saith he) a fault (which I have now found out) in the choyce of the coales, which were of oake, and should have been of beech. One hundreth duckets were spent that way, so as the dicing house and the stewes were partakers of Balbines charges. But after a new sup∣ply of money, better coales were provided, and matters more circum∣spectly handled. Howbeit, when the forge had travelled long, and brought forth nothing, there was was another excuse found out; to wit that the glasses were not tempered as they ought to have been. But the more money was disbursed hereabouts, the worse willing was Balbine to give over, according to the dicers vein, whom fruitlesse hope bringeth into a fooles paradise.

The Alchymist, to cast a good colour upon his knavery, took on like a man moonsick, and protested with great words full of forgery and lies, that he never had such luck before. But having found the errour, he would be sure enough never hereafter to fall into the like oversight, and that hence forward all should be safe and sure, and throughly recompen∣ced in the end, with large increase. Hereupon the workhouse is now the third time repaired, and a new supply yet once againe put into the Alchymists hand; so as the glasses were changed. And now at length the Alchymist uttered annother point of his art and cunning to Balbine; to wit, that those matters would proceed much better, if he sent our Lady a few french crownes in reward; for the art being holy, the matter can∣not prosperously proceed, without the favour of the saints. Which coun∣sell exceedingly pleased Balbine, who was so devout and religious, that no ••ay escaped him but he said our Lady mattens.

Now our Alchymister having received the offering of money, goeth on his holy pilgrimage, even to the next village, and there consumeth it very penny, among bawds and knawes: and at his returne, he told Balbine that he had great hope of good luck in his business; the holy virgin have such favourable countenance, and such attentive ear unto his pray∣ers and vowes. But after this, when there had been great travell be∣stowed, and not a dram of gold yeelded nor levied from the forge; Bal∣bine began to expostulate, and reason somewhat roundly with the cou∣sening fellow; who still said he never had such filthy luck in all his life before, and could not devise by what means it came to passe, that things sent so overthwartly. But after much debating betwixt them upon the matter, at length it came into Balbine's head to aske him if he had not ••reslowed to hear masse, or to say his hours: which if he had done, ••othing could prosper under his hand. Without doubt (said the cousener) you have hit the nail of the head. Wretch that I am! I remember once or twice being at a long feast, I omitted to say mine Ave Mary after dinner. So so (said Balbine) no marvell then that a matter of such impor∣tance hath had so ill successe. The Alchymister promised to do penance; to hear twelve masses for two that he had foreslowed; and for every 〈◊〉〈◊〉 overslipped, to render and repeat twelve to our Lady.

Soone after this, when all our Alchymisters money was spent, and also

his shifts failed how to come by any more, he came home with this ad∣vice, as a man wonderfully fraied and amazed, piteously crying and la∣menting his misfortune. Whereat Balbine being astonished, desired to know the cause of his complaint. Oh (said the Alchymister) the cou∣tiers have spied our enterprise; so as I for my part look for nothing •••• present imprisonment. Whereat Balbine was abashed, because it was •••• fellony to goe about that matter, without speciall licence. But (quoth the Alchymister) I fear not to be put to death, I would it would fall our •••• marry I fear lest I should be shut up in some castle or tower, and then shall be forced to tug about this work and broile in this businesse all the daies of my life.

Now the matter-being brought to consultation, Balbine, because •••• was cunning in the art of Rhetorick, and not altogether ignorant in la•• beat his braines in devising how the accusation might be answered, and the danger avoided. Alas (said the Alchymister) you trouble your s•••• all in vain, for you see the crime is not to be denyed, it is so general bruited in court: neither can the fact be defended, because of the mani∣fest law published against it. To be short, when many waies were der•••• and diverse excuses alledged by Balbine, and no sure ground to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 on for their security; at length the Alchymister having present want 〈◊〉〈◊〉 need of money, framed his speech in this sort; Sir, said he to Balbine, use slow counsell, and yet the matter requireth hast. For I think they are comming for me yet this time to hale me away to prison; and I 〈◊〉〈◊〉 no remedy: but to die valiantly in the cause. In good faith (said Balbine) I know not what to say to the matter. No more doe I, said the Alchy∣mister, but that I see these courtiers are hungry for money, and so 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the readier to be corrupted and framed to silence. And though it be a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 matter to give those rakehels till they be satisfied, yet I see no better 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sell or advice at this time. No more could Balbine, who gave him that ducats of gold to stop their mouthes, who in an honest cause would ••••∣ther have given so many teeth out of his head, then one of those point out of his pouch. This coin had the Alchymister, who for all his pre∣tenses and gay gloses was in no danger, other than for lack of money •• leese his leman or concubine, whose acquaintance he would not gi••∣ver, nor forbear her company, for all the goods that he was able to •••• were it by never so much indirect dealing and unlawfull means.

Well, yet now once againe doth Balbine newly furnish the forge, a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 being made before to our Lady to blesse the enterprise, and all these being provided and made ready according to the Alchymisters own 〈◊〉〈◊〉 king, and all necessaries largely ministred after his owne liking; a wh•••• year being likewise now consumed about this bootlesse business, and any∣thing brought to passe; there fell out a strange chance, and that by the means ensuing, as you shall hear.

Our Alchimister forsooth used a little extraordinary lewd compared with a courtiers wife, while he was from home, who suspecting 〈◊〉〈◊〉 matter, came to the door unlooked for, and called to come in, threatened them that he would break open the doores upon them: Some present ad∣vice (you see) was now requisite, and there was none other to be 〈◊〉〈◊〉

such as the opportunity offered; to wit, to leap out at a back window; which he did, not without great hazard, and some hurt. But this was soon blazed abroad, so as it came to Balbines ear, who shewed in coun∣tenance that he had heard hereof, though he said nothing. But the Al∣chymister knew him to be devout, and somewhat superstitious; and such men are easie to be intreated to forgive, how great soever the fault be, and devised to open the matter in manner and forme following.

O Lord (saith he before Balbine) how infortunately goeth our busi∣nesse forward! I marvell what should be the cause. Whereat Balbine, being one otherwise that seemed to have vowed silence, took occasion to speak, saying; it is not hard to know the impediment and stop hereof: for it is sinne that hindereth this matter; which is not to be dealt in but with pure hands. Whereat the Alchymister fell upon hisknees, beating his brest, and lamentably cryed, saying; Oh master Balbine, you say most truly, it is sinne that hath done us all this displeasure, not your sinne sir, but mine owne, good master Balbine. Neither will I be asha∣med to discover my filthinesse unto you, as unto a must holy and ghostly father. The infirmity of the flesh had overcome me, and the Devill had caught me in his snare. Oh wretch that I am! Of a Priest I am be∣come an adulterer. Howbeit, the money that erst while was sent to our Lady, was not utterly lost; for if she had not been, I had certainly been slain. For the good man of the house brake open the door, and the window was lesse than I could get out thereat. And in that extremity of danger it came into my minde to fall down prostrate to the virgine; beseeching her (if our gift were acceptable in her sight) that she would, in consideration thereof, assist me with her help. And to be short, I ran to the window, and found it big enough to leap out at. Which thing Balbine did not only beleeve to be true, but in respect thereof forgave him, religiously admonishing him to shew himself thankfull to that pitiful and blessed Lady.

Now once again more is made a new supply of money, and mutuall promise made to handle this divine matter hence forward purely and ho∣lily. To be short, after a great number of such parts played by the Al∣chymister; one of Balbine's acquaintance espied him, that knew him from his childehood to be but a cousening merchant; and told Balbine what he was, & that he would handle him in the end, even as he had used many others; for a knave he ever was, and so he would prove. But what did Balbine, ••hink you? Did he complain of this counterfeit, or cause him to be punished? No, but he gave him money in his purse, and sent him away; desiring him, of all courtesie, not to bla•• abroad how he had cou∣sened him. And as for the knave Alchymister, he need not care who knew it, or what came of it; for he had nothing in goods or fame to be lost. And as for his cunning in Alchymistry, he had as much as an asse. By this discourse Erasmus would give us to note, that under the golden name of Alchymistry there lyeth lurking no small calamitie; wherein there be such severall shifts and suits of rare subtleties and deceipts, as that not only wealthy men are thereby many times impoverished, and that with the sweet allurement of this art, through their owne covetousnesse;

as also by the flattering baits of hoped gain: but even wise and learned men hereby are shamefully overshot, partly for want of due experience in the wiles and subtleties of the world, and partly through the softnesse and pliablenesse of their good nature, which cousening knaves doe common∣ly abuse to their owne lust and commodity, and to the others utter un∣doing.

CHAP. VI.

The opinion of diverse learned men touching the folly of Alchy∣mistry.

ALbert in his book of Minerals reporteth, that Avicenna treating of Al∣chymistry, saith; Let the dealers in Alchymistry understand, that the very nature and kinde of things cannot be changed, but rather made by art to resemble the same in shew and likenesse; so that they are not the very things indeed, but seem so to be in appearance; as castles and towers do seem to be built in the clouds, whereas the representations there shewed, are nothing else but the resemblance of certain objects below, caused in some bright and clear cloud, when the aire is void of thicknesse and grossnesse. A sufficient proofe hereof may be the looking glasse. And we see (saith he) that yellow or orrenge colour laid upon red, seemeth to be gold. Francis Petrarch treating of the same matter in forme of a dia∣logue, introduceth a disciple of his, who fansied the foresaid fond professi∣on and practice, saying; I hope for prosperous successe in Alchymistry. Pe∣trach answereth him; It is a wonder from whence that hope should spring, sith the fruit thereof did never yet fall to thy lot, nor yet at any time chance to any other; as the report commonly goeth, that many rich men, by this vanity and madnesse have been brought to beggery, whiles they have wearied themselves therewith, weakned their bodies, and wa∣sted their wealth in trying the means to make gold ingender gold. I hope for gold according to the workmans promise, saith the disciple. He that hath promised the gold, will run away with thy gold, and thou ne∣ver the wiser, saith Petrarch. He promiseth me great good, saith the disciple. He will first serve his own turn, and relieve his private pover∣ty, saith Petrarch; for Alchymisters are a beggerly kind of people, who though they confesse themselves bare and needy, yet will they make others rich and wealthy; as though others poverty did more molest and pity them then their owne. These be the words of Petrarch, a man of great learning and no lesse experience; who as in his time he saw the frau∣dulent fetches of this compassing craft; so hath there been no age, since the same hath been broached, wherein fome few wise men have not smelt out the evill meaning of these shifting merchants, and bewrayed them to the world.

An ancient writer of a religious order, who lived above a thousand years since, discovering the diversities of thefts, after a long enumerati∣on, in Alchymisters, whom he calleth Falsificantes metallorum & mine∣ralium, witches and counterfeiters of metals and minerals; and setteth

them as deep in the degree of theeves, as any of the rest, whose inju∣rious dealings are brought to open arreignment. It is demanded (saith he) why the art of Alchymistry doth never prove that in effect, which it pretendeth in precept and promise. The answer is ready; that if by art gold might be made, then were it behoovefull to know the man∣ner and proceeding of nature in generation; sith art is said to imitate and counterfeit nature. Againe, it is because of the lamenesse and unperfect∣ness of phylosophy, specially concerning minerals no such manner of pro∣ceeding being set down by consent and agreement of philosophers in wri∣ting, touching the true and undoubted effect of the same. Whereupon one supposeth that gold is made of one kind of stuffe this way, others of another kind of stuffe that way. And therefore it is a chance if any at∣taine to the artificiall applying of the actives and passives of gold and silver. Moreover, it is certain, that quicksilver and sulphur are the materials (as they terme them) of metals, and the agent is heat, which directeth; howbeit it is very hard to know the due proportion of the mixture of the materials; which proportion the generation of gold doth require. And admit that by chance they attaine to such proportion; yet can they not readily resume or doe it again in another work, because of the hidden diversities of materials, and the uncertainty of applying the actives and passives.

The same ancient author concluding against this vain art, saith, that of all christian lawmakers it is forbidden, and in no case tolerable in any commonwealth; first because it presumeth to forge Idols for co∣vetousnesse, which are gold and silver; whereupon saith the apostle, Co∣vetousnesse is idolworship; secondly, for that (as Aristotle saith) coin should be skant and rare, that it might be dear; but the same would waxe vile, and of small estimation, if by the art of Alchymistry gold and silver might be multiplied; thirdly, because (as experience proveth) wise men are thereby bewitched, couseners increased, princes abused, the rich impoverished, the poor beggered, the multitude made fooles, and yet the craft and craftmasters (oh madnesse!) credited. Thus farre he. Whereby in few words he discountenanceth that profession, not by the imaginations of his owne brain, but by manifold circum∣stances of manifest proof. Touching the which practice I think enough hath been spoken, and more a great deal than needed; sith so plain and de∣monstrable a matter requireth the lesse travell in confutation.

CHAP. VII.

That vain and deceitfull hope is a great cause why men are se∣duced by this alluring art, and that their labours therein are bootlesse, &c.

HItherto somewhat at large I have detected the knavery of the art Al∣chymisticall, partly by reasons, and partly by examples: so that the thing it selfe may no lesse appear to the judiciall eye of the considerers,

than the bones and sinewes of a body anatomized, to the corporall eye of the beholders. Now it shall not be amisse nor impertinent, to treat somewhat of the nature of that vain and fruitlesse hope, which induceth and draweth men forward as it were with chords, not only to the admi∣ration, but also to the approbation of the same: in such sort that some are compelled rufully to sing (as one in old time did, whe∣ther in token of good or ill luck, I do not now well remember) Spes •• fortuna valete; Hope and good hap adieu.

No marvell then though Alchymistry allure men so sweetly, and in∣tangle them in snares of folly; sith the baits which it useth is the hope of gold, the hunger whereof is by the poet termed Sacra, which some doe English, Holy; not understanding that it is rather to be interpreted, Cursed or detestable, by the figure Acy••on, when a word of an unpro∣per signification is cast in a clause as it were a cloud: or by the figure Antiphrasis, when a word importeth a contrary meaning to that which it commonly hath. For what reason can there be, that the hunger of gold should be counted holy, the same having (as depending upon it) so many milions of mischiefs and miseries: as treasons, thefts, adul∣teries, manslaughters, trucebreakings, perjuries, cousenages, and a great troope of other enormities, which were here too long to rehearse. And if the nature of every action be determinable by the end thereof, then cannot this hunger be holy, but rather accursed, which pulleth after it as it were with iron chains such a band of outrages and enor∣mities, as of all their labour, charge, care, and cost, &c. they have no∣thing else left them in lien of lucre, but only some few burned bricks of a ruinous furnace, a peck or two of ashes, and such light stuffe, which they are forced peradventure in fine to sell when beggery hath arrested and laid his mace on their shoulders. As for all their gold, it is resolved In primam materiam, or rather In levem quendam fumulum, into a light smoke or fumigation of vapors, than the which nothing is more light, no∣thing lesse substantiall, spirits only excepted, out of whose nature and num∣ber these are not to be exempted.

CHAP. VIII.

A continuation of the former matter, with a conclusion of the same.

THat which I have declared before, by reasons, examples, and au∣thorities, I will now prosecute and conclude by one other example; to the end that we, as others in former ages, may judge of vain hope ac∣cordingly, and be no lesse circumspect to avoid the inconveniences there∣of, than Vlysses was warie to escape the incantations of Circes that old transforming witch. Which example of mine is drawne from Lewes the French King, the eleventh of that name, who being on a time at Bur∣gundie, fell acquainted by occasion of hunting with one Conon, a clownish but yet an honest and hearty good fellow. For princes and great men de∣light

much in such plain clubhutchens. The king oftentimes, by means of his game, used the countrymans house for his refreshing; and as no∣ble men sometimes take pleasure in homely and course things, so the King did not refuse to eat turnips and rape roots in Conons cotage. Shortly after King Lewes being at his palace, void of troubles and dis∣quietnesse, Conons wife will'd him to repair to the court, to shew himse••f to the King, to put him in minde of the old entertainment which he had at his house, and to present him with some of the fairest and choi∣sew rape roots that she had in store. Conon seemed loth, alledging that he should but lose his labour: for princes (saith he) have other matters in hand, than to intend to think of such trifling courtesies. But Conons wife overcame him, and perswaded him in the end, choosing a certaine number of the best and goodliest rape roots that she had: which when she had given her husband to carry to the court, he set forward on his journey a good trudging pace. But Conon being tempted by the way, partly with the desire of eating, and partly with the toothsomenesse of the meat which he bare, that by little and little he devoured up all the roots saving one, which was a very fair and a goodly great one indeed. Now when Conon was come to the court, it was his luck to stand in such a place, as the King passing by, and spying the man, did well remember him, and commanded that he should be brought in. Conon v••ry chee∣rily followed his guide hard at the heeles, and no sooner saw the King, but bluntly comming to him, reached out his hand, and presented the gift to his Majesty. The King received it with more cheerfulnesse than it was offered, and bad one of those that stood next him, to take it, and lay it up among those things which he esteemed most, and had in greatest accompt. Then he bad Canon to dine with him, and after dinner gave the countryman great thanks for his rape root; who made no bones of the matter, but boldly made challenge and claim to the Kings promised cour∣tesie. Whereupon the King commanded, that a thousand crownes should be given him in recompense for his root.

The report of this bountifulnesse was spread in short space over all the kings houshold: in so much as one of his courtiers, in hope of the like or a larger reward gave the king a very proper gennet. Whose drift the King perceiving, and judging that his former liberality to the clowne, pro∣voked the courtier to this covetous attempt, took the gennet very thank∣fully: and calling some of his noblemen about him, began to consult with them, what mends he might make his servant for his horse. Whiles this was a doing, the courtier conceived passing good hope of some princely largesse, calculating and casting his cards in this manner; If his ma∣jesty rewarded a silly clown so bountifully for a simple rape root, what will he do to a jolly courtier for a gallant gennet? Whiles the King was debating the matter, and one said this, another that, and the courtier travelled all the while in vain hope, at last saith the King, even upon the sudden; I have now bethought me what to bestow upon him: and calling one of his nobles to him, whispered him in the eare, and willed him to fetch a thing, which he should finde in his chamber wrapped up in silk. The root is brought wrapped in silk, which the

King with his owne hands gave to the courtier, using these words therewithall, that he sped well, insomuch as it was his good hap to have for his horse a jewell that cost him a thousand crownes. The cour∣tier was a glad man, and at his departing longed to be looking what it was, and his heart danced for joy. In due time therefore he unwrapped the silk (a sort of his fellow courtiers flocking about him to testifie his good luck) and having unfolded it, he found therein a dry and withered rape root. Which spectacle though it set the standers about in a loud laughter, yet it quailed the courtiers courage, and cast him into a shrewd fit of pensivenesse. Thus was the confidence of this courtier turned to vanity, who upon hope of good speed was willing to part from his horse for had I wist.

This story doth teach us into what folly and madnesse vain hope may drive undiscreet and unexpert men. And therefore no marvell though Al∣chymisters dream and dote after double advantage, faring like Aesops dog, who greedily coveting to catch and snatch at the shadow of the flesh which he carried in his mouth over the water, lost both the one and the other: as they doe their increase and their principall. But to break off abruptly from this matter, and to leave these hypocrites (for why may they not be so named, who as Homer, speaking in detestation of such rakehels, saith ve∣ry divinely and truly;

Odi etenim ceu claustra Erebi, quicunque loquuntur Ore aliud, tacitoque aliud sub pectore claudunt:

I hate even even as the gates of hell, Those that one thing with tongue do tell, And notwithstanding closely keep Another thing in heart full deep)

To leave these hypocrites (I say) in the dregs of their dishonesty, I will conclude against them peremptorily, that they, with the rable above re∣hearsed, and the rout hereafter to be mentioned, are rank couseners, and consuming cankers to the common wealth, and therefore to be rejected and excommunicated from the fellowship of all honest men. For now their art, which turneth all kind of metals that they can come by into mist and smoak, is no lesse apparent to the world, than the clear sunny rayes at noon sted; in so much that I may say with the poet.

Hos populus videt, multumque torosa juventus Ingeminat tremulos naso crispante cachinnos:

All people laugh them now to scorne, each strong and lusty bloud Redoubleth quavering laughters loud with wrinkled nose a good.

So that, if any be so addicted unto the vanity of the art Alchymisticall

as every foole will have his fancy) and that (beside so many experimen∣ted examples of divers, whose wealth hath vanished like a vapor, whiles they have beene over rash in the practise hereof) this discourse will not move to desist from such extreame dotage, I say to him or them and that aptlie,

—dicitque facitque quod ipse Non sani esse hominis non juret Orestes:

He saith and doth that every thing, which mad Orestes might With oath averre became a man bereft of reason right.

Notes

• Alchymistry a craft, not an art.
• G. Chaucer in the Chanons mans prolog.
• The termes of the art alchy∣misticall devi∣sed of purpose to bring credit to cousenage.
• Acts 8.
• G▪ Chaucer in the Chanons mans tale.
• Idem. ibid.
• The points or parts of the art Alchymi∣sticall which may be called the mystic or smoky science.
• The Alchy∣mists bait to catch a foole.
• Note the cou∣sening convey∣ance of this al∣chymisticall practitioner.
• A notable fool.
• A cousening devise by run∣ning away to save the credit of the art.
• G. Chaucer in the tale of the Chanons yeo∣man.
• A King cou∣sened by Al∣chymistry.
• A wise foole.
• Eras. in colloq. de arte Alchy∣mistica.
• A flattering and clawing preamble.
• Longation and Curtation in Alchymistry.
• Note how the cousener cir∣cumventeth Balbine.
• Fair words make fooles faine, and large offers blind the wise.
• Balbine was bewitched with desire of gold, &c.
• Notable ••ou∣senage.
• The Alchymi∣ster bringeth Balbine into a fooles para∣dise.
• Here the Al∣chymister ut∣tereth noto∣rious point of cousening kna∣very.
• Mark how this Alchymister goeth from one degree of cousenage to another.
• The mildest and softest na∣ture is com∣monly soonest abused.
• En immensae cavi sperant mendacia solles.
• Balbine is a∣shamed that he should be o∣vershot and o∣verseen in a case of flat cousenage.
• The substan∣ces of things are not trans∣mutable.
• Franc. Pe∣trarch. lib. de remed. utr. fort. 1. cap. 10.
• Goschalcus Boll. ordinis S. Au∣gust. in suo prae∣ceptorio, fol. 244. col, b, c, d. & 1.
• No certain ground in the art Alchymi∣sticall.
• Idem ibid.
• A varitia ido∣lorum cultus.
• Of vain hope.
• I. Col. in comment. upon Deut. serm. 127. pa. 781. col. 1. number. 40.
• A maxime.
• Erasmus in col∣loq. cui titulus Convivium fa∣bulosum.
• A hungry bel∣ly will not be bridled.
• A princely largesse.
• Sic ars deludi∣tur arte.
• The morall of the premisses.
• Homer.
• Englished by Abraham Fleming.
• Aul. Persius, sa∣tyr. 3.
• Englished by Abraham Fleming.
• Idem ibid.
• By Ab. Fleming.