Page:The Labyrinth of the World and the Paradise of the Heart.pdf/126

122 brought from behind a screen. Going also behind it, I see many turners, who—one more diligently and neatly than the other—fashion these gallipots out of wood, bone, stone, and other materials; then they fill them with salve or theriac, and deliver them up for general use. And the interpreter said to me: "These are the men worthy of praise and all honour, who serve their race in the most useful fashion, who regret no labour, no endeavours, which tend to increase wisdom and learning, and who share their glorious gifts with others. And the wish befell me to examine out of what stuff and in what manner these things (which the interpreter called gifts and wisdom) were made and fashioned. And I see one or two who collected fragrant roots and plants, cut them up, shook, cooked, and distilled them, preparing delightful theriacs, electuaries, syrups and other medicines, which are useful to the life of man. On the other hand, I saw some who only picked out things from the gallipots of others and transferred them into their own; and of these there were hundreds. And I said: "These merely pour out water." The interpreter answered: "Thus also is learning increased; for cannot one and the same thing be done now in this, now in that fashion? Something can always be added to the first elements, and they can be thus improved." "And spoilt also," I said with anger, seeing plainly that deceit was being practised here. Some also, seizing the gallipots of others, filled up their own, and diluted the contents as much as they could, even by pouring in slops;